During the 1850’s there were many steamers belonging to different owners all competing for the business of carrying passengers between Melbourne and Sydney.
A company by the name of the Sydney and Melbourne Steam Packet Company was formed in 1853 and joined the competition. By 1855 this concern was brought to its knees due to the continual losses brought about by the price wars waged by the Australian Steam Navigation Company.
The assets of the Sydney And Melbourne company was auctioned off much to the dismay of many. An article published in the local papers of the time commented on the situation, stating that the loss of the fine ships of the company would be sorely missed.
