English: This photograph probably depicts the cable steamer SILVERTOWN at sea while men onshore at Bondi Beach, Sydney work on laying the Pacific Cable. Crowds, including surf lifesavers, appear surrounding the ditch and observing the work being carried out. As the work commenced on 16 November 1912, Pacific Cable Board officials were present overseeing a collection of workmen with shovels, telescopes and signalling flags. The cable steamer reportedly had 1,400 miles of cable on its end, as it made its way from Bondi to Auckland, New Zealand. It is possible that this photograph was taken the day the work commenced.

This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Samuel J. Hood Studio collection. Sam Hood (1872-1953) was a Sydney photographer with a passion for ships. His 60-year career spanned the romantic age of sail and two world wars. The photos in the collection were taken mainly in Sydney and Newcastle during the first half of the 20th century.
The ANMM undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection. This record has been updated accordingly.
Photographer: Samuel J. Hood Studio Collection

Object no. 00035494