The Wonders of Wireless

Among the latest technological advances was Marconi's new 'wireless telegraphy' which the Company reported was being fitted to "all their Bombay and Australian mail steamers as quickly as possible".

The importance of Marconi's invention as an essential means of communication, was proven beyond doubt a year earlier when the White Star Liner Republic collided with the S.S. Florida off the coast of Nantucket. The lives of 1,500 passengers and crew were saved by the quick response to the distress call transmitted wirelessly across the airwaves.

In July 1910, the same device was used capture the infamous murderer, Dr. Crippen, who fled to Canada under a pseudonym on board the S.S. Montrose. Thanks to telegraphy and an intuitive Captain, Crippen was outwitted and arrested by Scotland Yard as he disembarked.

On P&O steamers you could even use the latest technology to play chess!  The passengers of Mantua travelling East from Fremantle to Adelaide played against those of the Morea travelling west.  The game lasted 6 hours with the Mantua taking the honours in 21 moves.