Sea and river transport provided the most effective means of travel for people and cargo along the South Coast of New South Wales up until the early 20th Century. At this time, roads were either non-existent or extremely poor in quality and vehicles were scarce. This meant that the only affordable and available means of commuting was either by horse or foot.

This ship model of the TSS 'Kameruka' is therefore representative of the type of vessel that contributed to passenger services by water on the South Coast, providing an effective service for people to such destinations as Sydney, Batemans Bay, Eden, Merimbula and Ulladulla. The 'Kameruka' was used on the express passenger service and was well reputed as a large, fast and comfortable passenger liner.

Models such as this one would have been made for shipbuilder's to assist in their full-scale construction, helping to provide the builder with an idea of the vessel's fittings, riggings and sail plans, as well as helping to show the ratio of length to beam and the fining of her entry and stern. This model also acts as a legacy of the full-scale version which no longer survives. The 'Kameruka' sank near Moruya Head on October 16, 1897.

References
Lorck, W., "The Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company's Illustrated Handbook: A Guide for the Tourist and Holiday Maker" (Sydney, 1905)
Parsons, R., "Steamships to the Illawarra" (Goolwa, 1991) pp.50 & 64

Source:

Powerhouse Museum