|
Comments for the year 2002 |
Email / Date |
|
My name is Alan Lucy I sailed on the mv Rangitata
from Tilbury on 24/2/50 arriving wellington28/3/50 I was a child
migrant aged 14yrs and was sent to a back country farm in Gisbourne
within two days of reaching NZ
but every thing worked out ok I would love to hear from any one on
that same trip my email is amaplucy@zfree.co.nz
PS it was a wonderful voyage with great food and service on a great
ship it took me years to work out why the odd! crew member had
traces of make up on when serving breakfast cheers: Alan
Lucy |
amaplucy@zfree.co.nz
6 / 01 / 02
|
|
Hi! my first 2 years at sea on the best name on the
kiwi coast 'SOMERSET'77-79. what memories, where has the crowd gone
to. I'm still swashing my buckle in the north sea. good
to mention the old girl. All the
best lads and a few lasses!! The Goon Pat
Mccardle |
mccardles@btinternet.com
10 / 01 / 02
|
|
Served with nzsc between 1966 -1971 and lost all
photos would love to
find some more on the Pipiriki Derby Clark Mackswell |
raycarol@raycarol.freeserve.co.uk
12 / 01 / 02
|
|
Hi my name is John Broughton I am originally from
Doncaster I now live in NZ. I joined M.V.Gloucester as a.b.1964 to
do a m.a.n.z. run with Dick Hodge. bosun john hay, lampy Bob
Heslop. Skipper Max Hellings. then joined M.V Devon. Tekoa. bosun
Tim O,leary took the Suffork to scrap 1968
also joined the Hurunui and came back d.b.s.on the Cumberland I also
joined the Paparoa in Liverpool
my last shipping co ship was the Westmoreland the skipper was Capt
North also a m.a.n.z run hope this is off some interested and may
trigger a memory or too John
Broughton |
trish-john@xtra.co.nz
15 / 01 / 02
|
|
Dear Sir, One article
in your shipping info, and to inform the source, is that the
Shipping Corp NZ was nothing to do with N.Z.S. I sailed on the Tue
alias New Zealand Pacific which was Blue Star. Shaw
Savall port line all together and Sir Tom Skinner as boss plus son
Jeff not bad for job for the boys
... bit of info john |
trish-john@xtra.co.nz
|
|
Found this site by mistake. Have very
few memories of my time on the 'Otaio' although I would like to dig
them up wherever they are hiding in my head. They must be there. Was
on the 'Otaio' from 1971-72 as a navigation cadet. Danny Meadows |
chiara.dario@virgin.net
20 / 01 / 02
|
|
Hi Sorry, I do
not have any info for you. I am looking for information re the MV
Kaimata. My father sailed on her during WWII and I would like to
learn some more about her, especially any photos of her. Can you
help, or point me in the right direction? Many
thanks Essex Havard |
Essex_Havard@rnli.org.uk
21 / 01 / 02
|
|
Please could you send me to a website that would
give me some details about the sinking of the Rangitane in 1940. My
late uncle, James Hunt, served as a steward on that ship. Any
information, however little, would be greatly appreciated. Patrick
Hunt
Irish
Independent Dublin |
pathunt@indigo.ie
22 / 01 / 02
|
|
Very interesting site which I came across whilst
searching for information about HMNZT Turakina which was torpedoed
in the North Atlantic 13 August 1917. My Grandfather now
deceased some ten years was sixth
engineer. I have an original of "The Klink" a souvenir of
the voyage of HMNZT "Turakina" 1917. I would be prepared
to look up names and any relevant detail if needed. Peter Cornish |
chaps@chariot.net.au
23 / 01 / 02
|
|
Re..Patrick Hunts' query 22/01/02 (the
sinking of the "Rangitane ") , I have sent him the
relevant information , gleaned from "ordeal by sea" as
usual. Bill Goyne |
billgoyne@guthlaxton.freeserve.co.uk
28 / 01 / 02
|
|
When looking for some photos of
ships i sailed on found this site (its
great) i started life with NZSC on the old Pipiriki then the ss
Derby i was also on the Joya Maccance and
the clerk Maxwell but being young
and Stewpet never got any photos so would love for any anybody has
or for any one to just get in touch. thank you Ray Allen |
raycarol@raycarol.freeserve.co.uk
28 / 01 / 02
|
|
I am looking for any information on John
Orr Watson who was on the MV Aorangi during world war 2.
Maryellen Duffy |
maryellenduffy@ozemail.com.au
30 / 01 / 02
|
|
My name is James Joseph Kelly
(Jimmy). I come from Bootle, Merseyside. I started in the Merchant
Navy in 1939. The ships I have served on are Westmoreland,
Huntingdon, Ruahine, Empire Whimbrel, Kent, Mahana, Empire Viceroy.
I served as fireman and greaser. Is there anyone
out there who sailed in those ships between 1939-1945 who remembers
me or anything about the
ship/journey/characters? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who
has any memories of these. James
Joseph Kelly |
aseretyllek@hotmail.com
30 / 01 / 02
|
I am looking for a David Charles Patrick
Lloyd who was a 'Mate of Tasmania Star of the Blue Star Line. About
58 years of age. He was originally from UK but was living in New
Zealand. The last address was.. ss/Tasmania Star. J.E. Watson and
Son. P.O. Box 812, 19 Tay Street, Invercargill, Southend New
Zealand.
I know that the Blue star line is no
longer in existence but any information would be greatly
appreciated. Helen Rennick - Woodstock
Editor ..Blue Star is now part of P&O Nedlloyd and is
still called the Blue Star service operating from Australia to NZ to
USA. I wish you luck
Footnote 28.02.02
Dear Mr Shaw. Please remove my request from
the New Zealand Shipping history as sadly we have
found that David Lloyd is deceased. Thanking
you for your help. Helen Rennick.
Editor I felt that there may be others like Helen who may
find solace in knowing that their prayers were answered perhaps not
in the manner that they had hoped but at least they found completion
in the knowing.
Perhaps when you come to read this, you too may feel the need to
reach out to someone long ago, all you have to do is ask and send us
an email |
ian@rennick.com
2 / 02 / 02
|
|
I am a collector specialising in
everything about Pitcairn islands whilst trying to find information
on H M V Rangitoto when writing up a competition entry about
shipping
calling at Pitcairn I stumbled upon this site,
how interesting it is. Has anyone any postcards or envelopes with
Pitcairn cancellations to offer me please. Doug Lawrence |
doug@pitlaw.freeserve.co.uk
4 / 02 / 02
|
|
Have done a search on Turakina and came
to this site, I did my primary schooling in Turakina and , as I
recall, there photos and possibly some historical notes, of Turakina
vessels on the walls of the school. Coincidentally the school has
its 150th Jubilee coming up, will confirm then Regards Doug |
support@nzracing.co.nz
13 / 02 / 02
|
My dad sailed/worked on board the M.V.
Hauraki and SS Derby between the years of 1961 - 1965 during his
merchant seaman days. can anyone out there let me know where i can
obtain pictures of one or both of the aforementioned ships. Thanks
in advance
NB- any other web-sites relating to these
ships would also be appreciated. David Wray |
david.wray@calanais.com
14 / 02 / 02
|
|
As an X crew member of the Last Three
trips on the Rangitata, Maiden Voyage Remuera and Rangitoto. Could
you Please tell me how long was the Penant which was flown on the
last trip of a ship. Regards John Wallace. |
Barling@xtra.co.nz
15 / 02 / 02
|
In 1948 I was employed with N.Z. Loan of
London UK and shipped out from Liverpool aboard the MV Hurunui as a
Stud Livestock attendant, and signed ships articles as a
Supernumerary member of the crew. There were 14 Dorset Horn Ewew and
two Wessex Saddleback pigs.
Liverpool 8/7/48 via Las Palmas, Suez, Freemantle, Adelaide and
signed off at Melbourne on 20/8/48 Masters name was Captain
F.Lockheed. This was the maiden voyage of the Hurunui.
I would be interested in making contact with any of the deck crew,
officers or passengers that are interested.
Also interested in finding the source of info relating to the MV
Hurunui. Eric Walton Vancouver Canada |
ewalt266@yahoo.ca
25 / 02 / 02
|
|
I was looking for information of the
ship M.V.RANGITATA, because I own a little pocket knife with the
name of the boat on it and also a picture. I am a collector knife
and was wondering if the knife was coming from this boat, and maybe
find more information about this special knife. Thank
you in advance for the information Jean Marie Bélanger |
jmbelanger1@hotmail.com
25 / 02 / 02
|
Greetings Mr Shaw,
My thanks for the prompt reply to my request for information
about my voyage on the Maiden Voyage of the MV
Motor Vessel Hurunui from Liverpool 1948. The main
reason behind my query is that I am updating a document
that relates to my various voyages as a Stud Stock
Attendant on vessels from UK to Australia and from
Australia to USA etc. If by chance someone may read
my insertion who was a Deck Officer or passenger, only
passengers on this voyage was relations of deck officers.
This was my first voyage after getting out for
the army in '47, and I enjoyed every second! of it, I would presume that the MV Hurunui is very similiar
to the Haparangi? any information you can supply
me would be of interest, I was employed by N.Z.
Loan
company for various voyages, now the company is
part of the Dalgety's I understand, so all info would be lost?
Thank you again for the opportunity to contact you, and
the Internet is a great venue to research my past shipboard
voyages. Regards to you and yours, Eric Walton Vancouver Canada. |
ewalt266@yahoo.ca
25 / 02 / 02
|
Hello. My name is Bob Chartres and
I was a Cadet on the Rakaia from Feb 1958 till Dec 1959. I am hoping that this excellent site will help me get
in touch with some of my old friends who joined at the same time. I
have already traced Andrew Grieve but would love to find some of the
other 8 Cadets who joined the Rakaia in Belfast after she had under
gone repairs to the engine. The trip before
she had broken a con-rod and Captain Lawson with his crew rigged
square sails and sailed her back to Liverpool
from just outside New York.
Those were happy days - never to be forgotten. I would also like to
get my hands on the ships log of those days or the Cadets Log as
mentioned by another above. R
M Chartres |
rmchartres@compuserve.com
27 / 02 / 02
|
I am researching my
family tree. Having acquired my uncles CRS10 card I have found that
he served on the following ships. "Athenic" 1959 (F/man),
"Kent" 1964 (F/man), "Surrey" 1964 (GRS),
"Dorset"1965 -1966 (F/man. D/GRS) "Hauraki"1966
(D/GRS), "Nottingham"1966 (D/GRS), "Piako"1966
(D/GRS) "Huntingdon
"1967(D/GRS),"Hauraki "1968(D/GRS) "Somerset
"1968(D/GRS) "Sussex"1969 (D/GRS)
"Huntingdon" 1969(D/GRS),
"Otaio"1970 (D/GRS), "Hertford" 1970(D/GR).
I am trying to
trace his family. If anyone knew him, or how i can find an
address for him I would be grateful. Any information at all will be
gratefully received. Kay Stanley |
kaypeter@btopenworld.com
28 / 02 / 02
|
Re: Previous message. I am Researching
my family tree! I omitted to name my uncle. The following details
are all I know about him.
Name Reginald Auguste OLIVER.
Discharge No.R106908
D.o.B 3/1/1913.Southampton.England.
Fathers name George OLIVER.
Regards Kay Stanley |
kaypeter@btopenworld.com
28 / 02 / 02 |
My father, Capt. Thomas ('Tommy')
MONCRIEFF, was with the NZSC from about 1930, as apprentice seaman,
until his death in 1964, as marine superintendent based at Albert
Dock.
I have a fair number of photographs taken on (and of) NZSC ships
between these dates, service records, notebooks etc.
I also have some uniform
items and other items of 'hardware' (tallboy from 'Rangitiki' cabin,
'Ruahine' memorial paperweight)
I can remember a few
anecdotes from my father. Some are serious ('Rangitoto '/'Jervis Bay'
convoy, 'Dorset' in the Med), some comical (crocodile hunt).
At the time of his death, I had already been in boarding schools for
9 years, and, apart from the school holidays (and the Christmas
Parties on board Rangitoto and Rangitiki in Albert Dock) I did not
see as much of him and the his work as I would have liked.
However, he left me in no doubt as to a) the very high esteem in
which the NZSC was generally held, and b) his immense pride in being
part of it.
I have spoken to other NZSC people since, who confirmed the
company's professional reputation, and its strong 'esprit de corps.'
I would welcome a chat
with any of his contemporaries (or their relatives, wishing to fill
knowledge gaps) Alastair Moncrieff |
agm@ims-integer.com
OR agmoncrieff@webtribe.net
1 / 03 / 02
|
|
Sir, is there anyone out there in the UK
that could give me a used n.z.s.co. ltd crossed flags jumper, as
supplied to the crews of the day, any condition, moth eaten or whatever,
serving merchant seaman, discharge book no uk035770.
Stornoway. John Macdonald |
shonnie@madasafish.com
4 / 03 / 02
|
|
I am looking for information about an
Edwin Sands Dawes who had something to do with the NZSC any
information would be greatly appreciated. Michelle
Jones |
michellejones@winmail.com.au
5 / 03 / 02
|
|
My name is Jack Chilton and I was on the
"Essex" in 1961-62 and the "Piako" 1962-63 as an
Engineer. Would like to hear from any other crew members on these
ships in New Zealand or UK. Jack Chilton |
chilton@iinet.net.au
6 / 03 / 02
|
|
I sailed on several N Z S co
vessels as an AB,
and have photos of some, would like photo of Ruhine, Rangtata,
Wangerer if anybody
has them I would be pleased to pay Mr M Holberton |
MICHAELHOLBERTON@aol.com
7 / 03 / 02
|
|
Would anyone have a photo of R.M.S
Tongariro around 1911, I would appreciate one. I have a passenger
list for this vessel which left London for New Zealand on 20th
October 1911 if anyone would like a look up. Garry Stuckey |
gstucke@attglobal.net
7 / 03 / 02
|
|
Good web site keep up the good work. Did
you know that Friends United, the successful website in UK for
finding your old school friends has now opened a workplace site.
NZSC has been listed 3 ways and has only a few names so far. Worth
logging in and adding yours guys ! I suggest we all use the same company name, try New
Zealand Shipping Co limited I was with NZS from 64-69 training on
the Rakaia and subsequently serving on Hauraki, Dorset, Otaki and
Westmorland. Great times! David De Barr |
dkdebarr@xtra.co.nz
8 / 03 / 02
|
|
Sir, I served as a junior engineer on
the m.v.Middlesex from 1966/67 on what was then called a double
header. I still have a photo of her in Melbourne (Appleton dock c)
after reading all the interesting comments of all the other NZ Ships
I was disappointed to read nothing at all about the m.v. Middlesex
there was 10 engineers her engines were twin 10 sulzers reduction
gear box and a magnetic coupling. Her revs were 210rpm.she had a 580
mm piston head. I'm looking for a good friend of mine his name is
David Charles Evans 8th eng (Henry the eighth) from cwm bran in
South Wales. By the way I was on the m.v. Huntinton on new years eve
in Bluff harbor 66/67what a place to spend new years eve. pubs then
closed at 6p.m.I still have a copy of crossed flags magazine for
1967 also I still have my tie. I must say what a great time I spent
with NZ Ships. David Kavanagh |
sandringham@which.net
9 / 03 / 02
|
|
I served an engineering apprenticeship
with NZS starting in 1965 (course 8). I did two trips on Otaio, and
later served on Tekoa, Devon, Haparangi. I am looking for any
original engine-room photos, any ship. Any course 8 out there? Peter
Edwards |
peter.edwards12@ntlworld.com
10 / 03 / 02
|
Brian Richardson here and I sailed
on the Northumberland, MV with my cousin Fred
Richardson. We sailed from Liverpool to
Auckland, It was in 1968 I think; I can
remember that trip because we spent more time
adrift, i can remember a life lost his fingers
while they were changing one of the pistons
Editor Brian never left email address and the rest of his
email was all upper case I don't have time to drop it to lower case
to make it easier to read. So Brian if you want to resend you are
more than welcome
Brian you sent me another email this time with your email address
however when I sent you a confirmation your email address comes back as an
error suggest you retype your email address and send it again |
13 / 03 / 02
|
|
I sailed on the M.V. Rangitiki on the
9th May 1958 from London to Auckland. I have a passenger list, photo
of the ship's officers, ship's plan and many menus that I can refer
to if anyone wishes information. If any passengers on that voyage
wish to contact me, they are very welcome Stuart Andrews |
stu.andrews@virgin.net
14 / 03 / 02
|
My name is Donald John Morrison from
Stornoway. Isle of Lewis. My next door neighbour (Kenneth John
Montgomery) and I joined m.v.Essex as deck boys in March 1970 after
leaving N.S.T. School ,Gravesend. (X Class 1969) Bill Emberton
(Oxford) was a good friend. Henry Angus Macdonald was also with us.
He is still at sea (RFA). Chief Officer was Ian Rutherford (Big Eye)
from Edinburgh. He regularly evicted us out of the crew bar. Ian
Macinnon (Glasgow). Nobby Clarke??? are names that I remember. We
did three/four trips to N.Z before going our separate ways.
Westmorland (`72), Somerset (`72), Hinakura (`73) were my other
ships before skinning out Lyttleton 1973 from M.V.Hinakura (The Big
H). I remember Jack Bradshaw (Greaser) on the Hinakura. He settled
in Wellington working for a brewery!!! Also my good friends Jimmy
Dallas (Keith, Scotland), Jimmy Hickie (Cork, Ireland) etc etc.
Returned to UK 1976 dbs on Tekoa. I still communicate with one or
two old shipmates from Isle of Barra including John Evans who also
skinned out Lyttelton 1972. Does anybody know of a reunion in
Stornoway this year.? Best Regards, Dolan ... D.J. Morrison (Sneb) |
dolan.morrison@ntlworld.com
14 / 03 / 02
|
|
I was an NZSC engineer officer cadet -
mv Otaio 1962-3, Poplar TC 1963-4, ss Papanui 1964-5. I've lost
touch with all the people I knew so well then, and would be pleased
to hear from any of them (I am now based mainly in
Singapore/Thailand). The names I still readily remember from those
days include: Duncan Smart; David Sambrook; "Edna" Savage;
Allan Slack. I recall that the Chief Engineering Instructor Officer
on the Otaio in those distant days was known as "The
Blob", assisted by messrs. Callan and Moley. Michael Still |
sempernomadicus@hotmail.com
23 / 03 / 02
|
I worked for the New Zealand Shipping
Company, in New Zealand, from 1965 when I left school until 1971,
firstly in Head Office Accounts, Wellington, then Wellington Branch
Accounts. In 1967 I moved, with my family, to Auckland and joined
the Auckland Branch on Quay Street. Here I worked for both Homeward
and Inward Freight Depts.
It was at this time when I saw much change with the Line. Many new
ships came into the fleet whilst still operating with old ships
which were gradually retired. I remember the "Rangi"
ships, Remuera, Hororata, Hauraki and others. The old ships had
beauty about them and many had seen service during the war. Hororata
I know was involved. She (or Hauraki) also had a fire on board in
Wellington while loading wool and I remember the scene of bales of
wool floating in the harbour after they were dumped over board.
Then came the introduction of the Container vessels and again
further change occured with the creation of OCL. Many staff were
asked to transfer into the new comapny but after a time it was
considered that container trade into NZ was going to be later than
expected and so all the newly appointed staff came back again. It
was long after that the changes started to impact.
In 1971 I came over to the UK and I am now living in London.
I enjoyed my time with the company and enjoyed sitting on the
quayside at lunch time watching the ships.
My last spell with the company was doing the Customs entry and
clearance for the vessel and crew. This necessitated some 'good-bye'
drinks with the crew before the vessels sailed. It was
"hard" life.
Those in the former company will remember "Crossed Flags"
and the "Maori Club". I still have the tie and also I have
some of the photos of some of the fleet back in NZ. I am pleased I
found this site and be able to read the on-line comments. Brings
back great memories. Paul Martin |
i_paul.martin@virgin.net
25 / 03 / 02
|
|
Does anybody have any information
on a Captain Gorn of
the NZSL in the 19th Century? Thanks Andrea
Hyde |
archie@upnaway.com
27 / 03 / 02
|
|
I am looking for a photograph and
any WWII information
about the M.V. Kaimata on which my father sailed as third radio
officer. Can anyone help me? Essex Havard |
Essex_Havard@rnli.org.uk
02 / 04 / 02
|
Jeffrey A friend of mine in Brisbane
told me about William Torrance who sketched, painted and
photographed ships on the Brisbane River over a number of years. One
of his books is "Motor Ships of the Thirties" and that
contains a section on NZSCo vessels. ISBN 0959144919.
I understand that the Cancer Society of Queensland may have copies
of his books and his paintings/drawings for sale. Regards Len
Chapman |
mealone@emirates.net.ae
07 / 04 / 02
|
Editor
We get many jokes and
stories for our jokes domain however this one resonated so well that
I decided to put it up on the History of NZ Shipping who knows we
might flush out a few more stories.
A extremely depressed young blonde was so desperate that she decided
to end her life by throwing herself into the Sydney Harbour.
When she went down to the docks, a handsome young sailor noticed her
tears, took pity on her, and said: "Look, you've got a lot to
live for. I'm off to Europe in the morning, and if you like, I can
stow you away on my ship.
I'll take good care of you and bring you food every day."
Moving closer, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and added,
"I'll keep you happy, and you'll keep me happy.".
The blonde nodded 'yes'. After all, what did she have to lose?
That night, the sailor brought her aboard and hid her in a
life-boat. From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches
and a piece of fruit, and they made passionate love until dawn.
Three weeks later, during a routine search, she was discovered by
the captain.
"What are you doing here?" the Captain asked.
"I have an arrangement with one of the sailors," she
explained. "He's taking me to Europe, and in return I'm letting
him screw me."
"He certainly is screwing you lady" said the Captain.
"This is the Manly ferry." |
09 / 04 / 02
|
|
I am enquiring into the arrival
date of the Hororata and would like to know if it came to NZ in 1926 fron England, I would
like to also know where I can get a passenger
listing for that year. I am trying to research my family
tree on the Cutts family and have been told he came out that year on the Hororata with his
wife and 8 or 9 children regards Alison Toopi |
ipoot@msn.com
9 / 04 / 02
|
|
Can anyone tell me if the Rangitiki or
Rangitata called in to Wellington in 1946 from Durban? I know they
were troop ships at one stage but maybe they weren't at that date?
My parents were passengers returning to NZ. Have a couple of deck
photos but no ship name. Regards Beverley B. C. Bolland |
nbolland@paradise.net.nz
12 / 04 / 02
|
|
The following item of NZSCo. ephemera
may be of interest.
Manuscript Programme
of Entertainment on board the New Zealand Shipping Company Ship SS
Rimutaka dated 6th May 1915
An attractive, interesting and
unusual item of shipping ephemera being a manuscript programme of
entertainment on board the New Zealand Shipping Company's ship S.S.
Rimutaka given on the 6th of May 1915. The programme is written on
an illustrated "Programme" sheet of the "Royal Albert
Aged Merchant Seamen's Institute." The Captain of the vessel is
named in the programme as Captain F.A. Hemming. The preamble to the
programme starts "...At 8 Bells on Promenade Deck The
"Reckless Rimutaka Rollickers" will toll forth
and..." The first item of entertainment is entitled "Who
shall kill The Kaiser" which confirms both the date and the
common sentiment of the period. The programme measures 25cms x 19cms
and is in very good condition.
This is the second of the three
vessels to bear the name S.S. Rimutaka. Built in 1900 weighing 7,765
tons. The ship was scrapped in 1930.
Warmest regards, Philip Christian
10 Papa Panteli Michail Street, 4566 Kalo Chorio, Limassol, Cyprus |
cph@cylink.com.cy
14 / 04 / 02
|
Hello its Bill aka 'Plum' Chalkley here.
I served as a Navigating Officer cadet on Otaio for voyages 13-18
28/2/64-15/11/66 and was Cadet Captain for voyage 18. I completed my
cadetship on Cornwall with Peter Rainford and as a result of the OCL
announcement at about that time decided on a career change and have
been in IT ever since. I have lived in Melbourne, Australia since
1971. Through your site I have made contact with Alex Chisholm and
Peter Herring. I have had continuous contact with David Bell who
joined with me but otherwise have had no contact with the dozens of
guys from that era. If any of you are out there it would be great to
hear from you. I am also trying to find out if there is a Melbourne
chapter of the Durham Association and contact details - can anyone
help.
It was through this search that I stumbled across your sight and
many memories have been recalled as a result. I have several photos
from Otaio days which I am happy to make available to anyone
interested. Hope this will activate some other contacts. Bill
Chalkley |
wiljac@bigpond.com.au
16 / 04 / 02
|
|
Did anyone travel on the final voyage of
the Remuera from Albert Dock to Auckland in 1964 Patricia
Stirling |
patb@dodo.com.au
21 / 04 / 02
|
My name is Gregory King. I joined the
Otaio on 17 March 72 as a Deck Cadet. I sailed on her for three
trips (until 1973). Gordon Cox was there also. We were recalling how
we met (joining the Otaio in the Royal Albert Dock) and decided to
see if we could locate and find out what happened to the rest of our
class. I'm married and living in the US (New Hampshire). I stopped
sailing in 1984, worked for a while as a Surveyor, and am now a
computer tech. Young Gordon is a Marine Surveyor in Lousiana,
working for his own company. He is also married.
Currently, the only names that come to mind are Harry Marshall and
Mick Cooke, although as I recall there were 14 of us, but John
Donner died on our first trip.
Please contact me directly through my email address. Thank you,
Gregory King |
RoyalWesseX@excite.com
23 / 04 / 02
|
Greetings from Blenheim, NZ. I am
compiling a history of wartime activities in Marlborough 1939-45. As
well as the Air Force flying training and Army units, I will include
include the Sounds defences, radio fingerprinting, Navy and Merchant
Marine.
I thought it would be appropriate to include the Provincial Roll of
Honour, and have details of all but one name from sources including
the commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Any information or suggestion where I might find this for: Elliott,
J. would be appreciated. He/she is noted as "on Kaikoura
List" but I've drawn a blank there. Not among the Armed Forces'
casualties, so wonder if he (she?) might have served in the Merchant
Marine.
Any assistance will be gratefully received and faithfully applied -
and acknowledged. Robert E. Montgomery. |
robtmont@paradise.net.nz
29 / 04 / 02
|
|
Sir, I arrived at this site when I was
searching for "Japanese torpedo incidents in New Zealand waters
WW2". I have been told that a ferry from Lyttleton to
Wellington (or vice versa) was threatened. Could someone tell me
where to go to find this information. Meanwhile I have enjoyed
reading the postings on your site. Many thanks, Jenifer Josephs-Cato |
jeni.ken@xtra.co.nz
05 / 05 / 02
|
|
Hello my name is Charlie Picknell I
served on the Haparangi from 1956 - 1959 will be good to here from
anyone from them times remember Ron Joyce who left a message but
left no mail address. please let me know if you get this message as
we have tried before. Charlie Picknell |
jilly_lydias_cottage@lineone.net
8 / 05 / 02
|
I have whilst going through some old
photographs to do our family tree found some of a great uncle,
serving on the SS Hororata. His name was John Edward Quayle,
although most people knew him as Jack Quayle. The photographs I have
are taken in different parts of the ship and include different jobs
(they are quite interesting, unfortunately they are starting to
fade) including boat muster, coaling, and washing decks, there is
also one with the ship on fire in the mid pacific. Most of the
people on the photographs apart form Uncle Jack are unknown to me,
but two of them have names by them Q.M. W J Healey who is in full
sailors uniform and R Mc Intire in the outfit of Hororata FC.
Amongst the photographs are some of the ships pets a numerous array
of cats and a monkey called Jacko.
Although we know uncle Jack served on the SS Hororata we would like
to know if possible what rank and or job he held.
He died according to the Manx papers (from where he originated), at
sea 8th November 1918 in service.
If anyone can help with any information I would be very grateful.
Elaine |
simic.ke@ntlworld.com
8 / 05 / 02
|
|
Re Hinakura. Roy Brown was Junior
Engineer on this
ship on its last refrigerated passage Auckland to Tilbury. c
1955 1956 Ship returned to NZ with steel to
Auckland. Roy was signed off there as the next
destination was an Eastern scrap yard. Seeking
when and where it was made. Roy
recalls twin Doxford diesels |
peter.noonan@xtra.co.nz
13 / 05 / 02
|
|
Just to correct Peter Noonan. Hinakura
was still fit, well and afloat in 1959 when I had one trip as
engineer cadet. John Osborne |
john.osborne@farmersweekly.net
14 / 05 / 02
|
|
Although I'm sure that many of you
were aware of this
story, others may be interested in the following which is an extract
from a 'Questions and Answers' page in the British Daily Mail dated May 13th 2002. Unfortunately the
correspondent's name was not mentioned
in the copy I saw.
Question -
When I served on the New Zealand Shipping Co's
m/v Otaki in 1959, her dining
room sported the Victoria Cross of a Captain Smith, who had served on a ship of the same name during World War 1. The
second Otaki has long been
broken up. Could you tell me what happened to that VC ?
This Question elicited two replies which I
post here with all necessary apologies
etc for any breach of copyright.
1. As
secretary to Lord Sterling, chairman of P and O, I see this medal
every day, proudly displayed on the wall in
his office. It is mounted as it must have been
in the dining room of the last mv Otaki,
where it sat alongside a portrait of Captain Smith.
It has this inscription : 'This Victoria Cross
was awarded to Captain Archibald
Bissett Smith. Master of the New Zealand Shipping Company vessel ss Otaki. He was was born in Aberdeen on December 19,
1878, and educated at Robert Gordon's College.
He joined the Company on June 2, 1904 and was promoted
Master in July 1912. he died on March 10, 1917, when in command of the ss Otaki, which was sunk in the North Atlantic
after a very gallant action with the heavily
armed raider 'Moewe'. The Victoria Cross was awarded
posthumously to commemorate this epic of the Merchant Service'.
The New Zealand Shipping Co, a P and O
subsidiary, acquired the medal by auction
in 1951 and it was carried aboard it's fourth Otaki, which served from 1953 to 1975.
This is signed ; Lyn Allen, P and O SNCo,
London
2) On
March 10, 1917, the refrigerated meat ship Otaki, commanded by
Captain Archibald Bisset Smith, sailing 350
miles east of the Azores, was sunk by the
German commerce raider Moewe, but not before the Otaki's 4.7 inch
gun had inflicted so much damage on the Moewe
that, although able to reach Kiel, she never
returned to sea. The Otaki lost six crewmen, including Captain
Bisset Smith, who went down with his ship. Smith
was a civilian and therefore not strictly entitled to receive the VC, so he was posthumously gazetted a lieutenant in
the Royal Naval Reserve.
The London Gazette of May 25th, 1919, details the award.
In 1936, the relatives of Captain Bisset Smith
presented the Otaki Shield to
the Governors of Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen, where he had
been educated, to be awarded annually to the
scholar judged pre-eminent in character,
leadership and athletics.
From 1938, the New Zealand Shipping Company
added a travel scholarship in the form of a return trip to New
Zealand - a tradition which continues, with P and O now providing
the passage.
In March 1951, Captain Bisset Smith's VC was
bought at auction by the New Zealand
Shipping Company and for two years it was housed in Robert Gordons's
College, but was then placed in the 'new' Otaki when it was built
in 1953.
It remained in the officer's dining room until
the Otaki was sold in 1975. The medal has since been in the possession of PandO,
in pride of place in the
office of the chairman.
Signed ; H.O. Smith, Head of Geography, Robert
Gordon's College, Aberdeen
I remember in the early seventies sailing with
a couple of schoolboys and two
'young farmers' signed as supernumeraries on OCL's Discovery Bay but cannot remember what school
they were from.
Also, those of you interested may wish to
visit the web site at friendsreunited.co.uk,
where many people have signed onto the various UK nautical
colleges featured in the schools section, but also many ex NZS employees in the 'Workplace' section under 'Merchant
Navy', 'P and O' and two spellings of New
Zealand Shipping Company. After registering an e-mail address
the site is free to enter but there is a charge if you wish to contact somebody through
the site.
Thank you for maintaining this excellent site.
Colin Nisbet NZS / P and O 1973 - 1983
Editor Please note the article submitted by Colin is about
New Zealand Shipping Co in its previous incarnation as part of
P&O. The current company has no connection with P & O
Nedlloyd although we do slot space on some trade lanes. |
medwynbridge@hotmail.com
21 / 05 / 02
|
|
Dear Sir, I am looking for any information from anyone who may
have sailed with my father on the M V
Rangitoto in the 1960's his name was Donnie
Lindsay from south uist and he worked in the engine room
, I would be very grateful if anyone who remembers him would get in touch. photos of the ship would also be very much
appreciated Thanks in advance Donald
Lindsay (son) |
donald.lindsay@lineone.net
28 / 05 / 02
|
I am looking for photographs of
the Mv Cumberland built 1948, on which I served for a short while. Can
you help?
Editor If you can supply name and email address someone is
bound to help |
29 / 05 / 02
|
My name is Bob Gallacher I sailed
aboard Haparangi in
1968, Junior eng. I had my 21st Birthday between Panama and Pitcairn - that was memorable. Of
the few names I remember there was Dave Lesley
cadet eng, Owen "Wagga" Ward from Bluff 5eo and Dave
Cowdell 4eo.
There was also one of the Wiigs, electrician from the South Island somewhere. I was transferred to
Hurunui in NZ for the return trip to UK. Discharged Hurunui
in Le Harve. I'm originally from Wigan in Lancashire now residing in Sydney Aus for the last 30 years.
Anybody out there remember me or have any
contact at all with these guys, would be good to hear from you. Bob Gallacher |
bgallacher@stormvideo.com.au
30 / 05 / 02
|
|
Dear Sir, Trust that you or others may
be able to help me. I believe that my great grandfather was a master
mariner. His name was Walter Smith (born approx 1838)he came from
Austria and married one of his passengers a Mary Petersen (born
approx 1870) from Denmark. I am not sure but I think his main port
was Port Ahuriri (Napier NZ). Perhaps his ship may have been the
"Taveuni". Any one with information on him his ship etc
would be great fully received, even hints on how to find more
information. As a child I left NZ for Australia aboard the Wanganui
or Whangarei (lousy memory bank) had a wonderful trip but parents
did not. Thanking you Frances McNair |
fab@magpies.com.au
30 / 05 / 02
|
|
G'day, My name is Graham Perkins, great
site which i have just stumbled across. I was and Eng Cadet with
NZSCo 70 - 74 at Poplar Tech. sailed on Tongario (Tongaplonk) Essex,
Sussex, Hauraki, all during the early 70's. Unfortunately during the
revolution I ended up in the Gulf for my sins. What ever happened to
names like "Scarface Leachman", The Mad Monk, Mary Baker,
The Black Musium all great names from the past and with happy
memories. I now live in Hobart, Australia and any one who might know
me is welcome to drop me a line. Keep up the good work. Graham
Perkins |
gperkins10@bigpond.com
03 / 06 / 02
|
|
I am trying to find any info about ss
Ionic which sailed between UK and NZ in the year 1923. maybe
someone can tell me how to find a passenger list, a photo or
anything that might be of interest to me what shipping line was it
with etc. Regards Ann Sue |
annsue@optusnet.com.au
12 / 06 / 02
|
In the section Reconstruction of the
Fleet (1939 to early Fifties), you have a query as to the build date
of the Rangitane.
I joined her in December 1949 when she lay at her builders, John
Brown of Clydebank in process of completion. After sea trials, we
sailed for London and from there carried out her maiden voyage to NZ
in January 1950.
Her sister, Rangitoto was in Auckland when we arrived at the next
pier and was then on her second voyage having left the builders some
months before. The build dates therefore were during 1948/49/ Hope
this helps. Bill Whitehead |
bill.whitehead1@btinternet.com
12 / 06 / 02
|
|
My father, Frederick E Greatorex
was a passenger on
the MV Rangitata in July 1941 on passage to
South Africa. He was in the Royal Air Force
being posted to South Africa. Landed at Cape
Town then on to Pretoria. Ship travelled in
convoy. Helped ships carpenter while underway,
as he was a qualified joiner/carpenter. Remembers the ship with
affection. |
mgreato@jmgreatorex.freeserve.co.uk
14 / 06 / 02
|
|
Dear Sirs I would like to contact some
old ship mates who sailed with me on the mv Hertford, between
February 1955 and November 1956. I was Captains Steward (Tiger) I
also sailed as a Ist Class Dining steward on the Rangitata from
October 24th 1957 to February 14th 1958 John Appleton |
JOHNY@penshurst49.fsnet.co.uk
15 / 06 / 02
|
Hello Jeffrey, it has been a long time
since we last communicated, but I was given details of your site by
a newly found cousin of mine and feel after reading some of the
details re the Index I passed on for the use of anyone, that I must
update some of the information for you. I have a set of three little
books, one of which I did the index from, the book itself is called
"Ships of the New Zealand Shipping Company" and it was
compiled by Gavin McLean with photographs from the Wellington
Harbour Board Maritime Museum Collection 3. ISBN 0 477 00015 0, by
GP Books. It is a small collection of photographs with very little
detail on each ship, and it had no index to say which ship was
mentioned in the book, hence my little index. Over the years this
small index which is on my web page has helped a number of people
looking for photographs of these particular ships, hence the index
is available for anyone to use and I am quite willing to scan
individual l photos from the book and send to people who require a
photo of the ship their ancestor may have been connected with in
some way. I know from knowledge of the NZ Shipping Company this book
is not complete, but my index only pertains to the ships and photos
mentioned in this book. If you would like to update your list to
mention the name of the Author etc it may help others. Sorry that
was left off so many years ago. keep up your great work on this
site, it is good to have good sites to refer to. Ailsa Corlett
Editor: Your baby has grown Ailsa I trust I have done a good job
as its mid wife (ha ha) although I must say it would be nice to
finish off the vessel section. If someone reading would like to put
the whole vessel list together in word or excel format and email it
to me, I will make the time available between work commitments to
install it on the vessel section and give them the credit for doing
so, as a big thank you, from all of us. |
ailsa@st.net.au
15 / 06 / 02
|
Hi Jeff
The site is great and a real credit to you. I could not have done it
as well, I just don't have the time any more to devote to family
history which is a pity, but maybe later on when I retire one day.
Anyway your site and you have prompted me to think more about the
book I have and the photos in it, so if you like I am going to
finish scanning (half of them already done) the rest of the photos
in the book, place onto CD and send a copy to you. I did not put the
photos on my web site as the book is copyrighted, but felt scanning
one or two when asked by someone who required a copy of the photo
for their research was ok, I would suggest you do the same in this
case, but at least you can have a full copy of all the pictures of
the ships in the book, I just need a postal address to send it to,
and give me a couple of weeks to finalise it. The wonders of Cd
Burners now. All the best Ailsa
Editor: That would be nice I
am sure we can help people in the manner you have suggested. Ailsa
web site is http://home.st.net.au/~ailsa |
|
|
We received a number of photos (black
& white) of New Zealand Shipping vessels from Ailsa and
immediately set about creating a section containing these photos. I
might add if you have any photos yourself please go ahead and email
us in jpeg format. As always we will acknowledge you as a
contributor (something for prosperity) Jeff |
|
My father, Eric Leach from Liverpool,
served with the NZSC from 1925 until his marriage in January 1938
when he left the sea and worked at The Royal Albert Dock. It gave
him so much pleasure to see some of his old ships dock there.
My parents received a canteen of cutlery from the Catering
Department of R.M.S. Ruahine as a wedding gift dated 15th January
1938. My father died in 1984, but my mother, who is 93, tells me
that the crew were torpedoed.
Is that correct? Does anyone have a 'photo of the Ruahine please?
Valerie M. Vine |
vines@vinev.freeserve.co.uk
19 / 06 / 02
|
What a good site. Cheers, Sneb. How ya
doin'? Between '65 and '72 sailed on Huntingdon, Ruahine,
Nottingham, Essex, (Canberra Star of Blue Star Line), skinned out in
Kiwi from Cumberland in '73. Came back to Scotland in '98. Would
love to catch up with Ian Kerr of Fort William. His brother Hughie
also sailed with us on Huntingdon circa 1970/71.
Any old shipmates who remember me can get in touch via supplied
email. I see Joe Quinn all the time plus lots of ex 'Shifting
Company' Barramen if anyone one wants to make contact. A good day's
been made better. Cheers, John Evans. |
johnwonfor@aol.com
19 / 06 / 02
|
|
Hi Jeff, Thanks for yours in response to
mine regarding Rangitane and Rangitoto build dates. Very pleased to
hear it will be in the newsletter. Speaking of which, I have somehow
deleted the web site address, would you please advise me of it. I'll
bookmark it this time. Thanks again and best regards Bill |
bill.whitehead1@btinternet.com
22 / 06 /02
|
|
Please I hope someone can help me, I am
looking for a photo of the Merchant Vessel Cambridge, that sailed in
New Zealand waters in 1956. It is really important for me to get a
picture. Please please please can anyone help me Thank you Regards
Meryl Oliver |
molly63@xtra.co.nz
23 / 06 / 02
|
|
My name is Duncan MacDonald. I sailed in
"Orari" on six voyages as 4th. and 3rd. Officer under
Captain Nelson Rice between 2/9/41 and 21/2/44 including the Malta
convoy in June 1942. Of the six ships in the convoy, only two
reached Malta and we were struck by a parachute mine at the entrance
to Valeta harbour. "ORARI" had a charmed life like the
time she brought back a live German torpedo that had landed on the
after deck as the ship rolled to port in a heavy gale. I am now 87
but like to hear from any shipmates who can remember me as there is
lots more to tell !!! Sincerely. Duncan Macdonald, M.B.E. |
duncan@ix.net.au
24 / 06 / 02
|
|
Looking for information on our uncle
Spencer Faulkner? served in RNZN on A M C Monawii. Later merchant
marine Russian convoys, was known to be in Portsmouth naval hospital
with T.B. date unknown was last seen 1949 maiden voyage on Rangitoto,
or Rangitane Wellington N.Z. has not been heard from by my mother
since. Any info would be appreciated. Garey |
gareyhocking@optusnet.com.au
24 / 06 / 02
|
|
Hi
Ailsa, I have sailed with the old NZSCo during 1960-64 and have
recently completed a model of the MV Rakaia on of the ships I sailed
on. I am now starting to construct a model of the Rangatoto and have
acquired the general plans from Tyne and Were Archives. I am having
some trouble acquiring photographs to help me to complete the
superstructure. Would you have any that you could scan and e-mail to
me? If this is any trouble please do not bother.
I like your web site.
I have attached a jpg of the model I made as it might be of
interest to you.
Best
regards.
Alex
Henderson
41 Island Bank Road
Inverness
IV2 4QT
Phone
01463 238397
Editor: click here to see
Rakaia
once this page opens up you will have to scroll down the page to see
photo of Alex's scale model |
unalex@tinyonline.co.uk
|
Jeff, thanks for a terrific site. Isn't
it interesting that many of your contributors recall service with
NZSC as the happy days. I could'nt agree more.
Once long ago, I defected and sailed with Union Castle, but how I
missed the Rangi boats. It was not long before I was back with the
Tiki !
When serving "On the Coast", round about the middle
forties, I recall that all the bars closed at 6pm, but to the less
civic minded of us there was a place in either Auckland or
Wellington that we used to call Ma Gleason's, where after some
shifty door knocking, one could purchase what was known as "sly
grog".
By direct contrast, a little later in the early fifties, there was a
milkbar in the main street of Auckland, near the Ferry Building,
called Duffy's Tavern. Anyone remember it ? Great days. Bill
Whitehead |
bill.whitehead1@btinternet.com
01 / 07 / 02
|
|
Hi, I'm researching my brother John
Cameron (Joe) who served on the Ruahine as Radio Officer during the
2nd World War. If anyone served on the ship and new my bother, I
would love to hear from you. Ian Cameron |
ian@clephane-cameron.fsnet.co.uk
03 / 02 / 02
|
Hi, I really like the site. Well done. I
have a framed print of MV Huntingdon purchased at a Marine auction
in Sydney some years ago. Can somebody refresh my memory - which has
taken a battering over the years - which "H" vessel was it
that suffered a fairly large engine room fire in Liverpool docks
around 1970? or so. I was aboard the said vessel the evening prior
to the fire, borrowing spares for Hurunui where I was duty engineer.
I was back aboard the "H" vessel the next day loaning them
equipment to help to get things started again. Bob Gallacher |
bgallacher@stormvideo.com.au
04 / 07 / 02
|
|
Hi Jeff, Just discovered your site
and have spent the
last hour reading back through the messages, fascinating and brings
back all sorts of memories. I joined Durham as an Apprentice, the first trip after the war as a cadet ship, in the
London docks. Pilcher was the master. Last
trip before second mates aboard Haparangi, after trips aboard
the old Kent and maiden trip aboard Rangitane (farmer Maltby master)
as far as Auckland then transferred to Leicester (ex Sam Key) for the trip back to London. I was lucky as Leicester
went down with all hands the next voyage. I
then left the NZSC and joined RFA where I spent six years
then Nigeria with the Ports Authority where I started piloting finally finished my working life in Australia as a
New South Wales pilot for twenty years. There
is or was a Durham Association in Auckland organised
by Capt Dunsford and he was trying to form a branch here in NSW never did hear if he was successful or not. I
am anxious to obtain the NZSC crest and am hoping that someone maybe able to help. The mention of Ma
Gleesons brought back a few memories good and bad. It was
a pleasant hour reading all the emails many thanks. Sam Twyford |
stwyford@bigpond.net.au
07 / 07 / 02
|
|
My name is Tina, I am Looking for a
photograph of the ss Papanui. My Dad, David Jane, served on this
ship from 1957 onwards, although I'm not sure for how long. I have
had no luck on the web yet and would be grateful if anyone has a
picture they could forward to me. Many thanks. Tina |
keith@kbr6818.freeserve.co.uk
08 / 07 / 02
|
My father, Captain Fergus Cross,
received his cadet
training on the "Northumberland" and later commanded the
MANZ Line (Montreal Australia New Zealand)
vessel "Ottawa Valley"
Our family journeyed with him in 1947 to Australia and New Zealand
aboard the Ottawa Valley. Halifax to
Australia, New Zealand, England, and back on the
SS "Ottawa Valley"
Captain Fergus Cross - Master
This is an account from the journal of Jean
Cross, wife of the Master, written
during the voyage in 1947.
Halifax, Sunday September 28, 1947.
I worked like mad all day to get house finished so I could leave.
Keith (Morrow) came
over about 7 pm to collect trunk and suitcase. I had all the boys
asleep early. Cynthia (Hunter-Smith) and I finished our coffee and did the dishes and then I cleaned the kitchen and put
away the final odds and sods. All clean except
floor. Got coffee and sandwiches ready as Keith is
to call at 2 am for us. Got the boys and Cynthia up about 1:30 am. Didn't leave until 3 am as Keith overslept and was
late. Ian and Duncan slept
in the car. Angus and I tried to but were too excited.
Monday, September 29th.
Arrived in Mulgrave around 8 am. We found the wharf and had
breakfast in the
trainmen's sleeping and eating car. The ship arrived shortly after 9 am and the seaboat picked us up right at the jetty.
Everything went fine and the day was perfect,
hot, sunny and calm. The boys are all happy. Partly
unpacked and settled. Ian and Angus have Spark's (radio operator) old cabin. Duncan is in his basket on the settee in
Fergus' room. Lots of room. I can still hardly
beleive I'm here. Duncan 20 days old. Ian 14 months.
Angus 5 years. What a nerve we have starting off for Australia with them all. Angus is in his element and we're all
happy to be leaving. Halifax
for the winter. Wonderful day but am I tired!
At sea, Tuesday, September 30th.
Cool and lovely sunny day. Calm and all well.
Wednesday, October 1st
Hot, rainy and windy - a real storm blowing up. Have to keep ports
closed and so hot
inside it's really suffocating. Nearly all unpacked and put away.
Very rough and not very comfortable. Ian keeps falling but it doesn't bother Angus. I keep banging into the settee.
Going pretty slow today.
Thursday, October 2nd.
Rain has stopped but still windy and ship rolling more than
yesterday.
Everything swinging and banging. We are all eating three meals a day
and its just
uncomfortable trying to stand up in one spot. Ian not falling so much. He's still jealous of Fergus and roars for me
all the time. Duncan no
bother except for his appetite and his pants.
Off Bermuda, Friday, October 3rd.
Passed Bermuda in the distance. Saw the lights and a plane or two.
Getting warmer
and calmer.
Sunday, October 5th.
Hot weather now. The kids in their summer
clothes again and I'm hot in summer
dresses. Passed Puerto Rico, really down south now. Should reach Curacao on Tuesday. Weather good. Rains nearly every
night and getting hot and
humid.
Curacao, Tuesday, October 7th.
Reached Curacao this morning about 10 am. Went to Carracas Bay first
and waited, and then
went right into Willemstad. Grand sight. All the signs are
in Dutch. Millions of ships around and a smell of oil all over. Hot
as Hades. Not much air at all. Boats of all
descriptions full of black men putt-putting
all around us. The crew put the boat over the side and it's running
to the town every little while. Angus went in and out on it all afternoon and went ashore with the boys for a beer.
They took Ian one trip too up to the best
hotel for a lime squash. Fergus and I slept. too hot to go
ashore til later. Nearly melted away. Went in about 4:30 and looked around. Amazing sights we saw. The banana boats, like
Nova Scotia fishing schooners. They tie up
along one side of the street and sell their wares from
there. On the other side are the stores. all little shops about 4 feet wide piled with clothes, hats, shoes, material.
the proprietors sitting in a chair by the door
and the front of most stores open. All black
people talking Dutch, in every kind of garb. Very picturesque place.
White plaster buildings and red tile roof tops. No grass anywhere.
Must have been an old volcano as everything
around is old lava. I bought a sun hat, purse,
and stockings. Had a couple of drinks at the big hotel. Walked over the bridge to the other side. The bridge swings
across the river.
It's built on floats. The government buildings
are all beautiful and there is one wide main
street but the streets with all the shops are only wide enough
for one car. The streets where the people live are just narrow lanes. all paved between rows of high buildings. Some
people wear shoes and some don't. All the
storekeepers are black or nearly black. In fact we saw
hardly any white people. Everyone has new cars though of the better makes. The white people must live outside the town as
we didn't see any homes at all. Went back to
the ship for supper. Put the boys to bed and then
went ashore again for a couple of hours. Went to the hotel for a
Collins, the Panama
Canal, Friday, October 10th.
Reached canal about 10 am and got through to the Pacific side by
about 5 pm. Very interesting going through the
locks but the heat and humidity simply awful.
Angus thought the engines that pull the ship were fascinating
and watched everything. Ian was used to the black people and didn't
stare like in Curacao where even the agent is black. Got a letter from Mother, none from Cynthia. Fergus got some, but
no more news for a month now. Mr. Yosh,
someone from Norton Lilly's came down and took us ashore
about 9 pm. Drove us all over Bilboa and into Panama. Looked beautiful
at night. The homes were grand. Huge - spacious, white all frame.
some of course weren't so hot but it's so different and the huge palm trees and white buildings look grand. He dropped
us at the International Hotel, but there were
not any people dancing, just gambling, so we
went across to Kelly's - a nightclub affair and had some collins and saw the floor show. Some of it good - some awful. I'd
never seen strip tease before but I certainly
did there. The Chief Steward and Sparks came along
and sat with us. John Bostock and another engineer showed up there too. The girls aren't fussy. The old dame Kelly even
had two over with some Chinese- better looking
than some of the white men around - motto must
be All welcome. We left there and went to El Rancho but were late
and the crowd had left as it had rained and
the dance floor was roofless. Had a few dances
to the organ and then back to the International. still nobody there but danced anyway. coolest place since we left
Canada. Really air-conditioned. Tried to go in
the game rooms but the Steward and Sparks didn't
have jackets so we weren't allowed. Fellow with a gun sitting at the door. Went to the El Rancho but most of the crowd
was gone. Had a couple of drinks and dances on
the wet floor and got a cab back to the ship.
Fergus and I stopped at the ship "Northumberland", Fergus'
old training ship. Captain Fred Lougheed made
us very welcome and two of his passengers,
Mr. Dickson, and Mr. Wellbrook came
At sea.
Coldest day yet. The day we crossed the equator. Fergus sends daily messages to "Northumberland" comparing
speeds. We are doing about the same as
they are.
Tuesday, October 20th.
Duncan 6 weeks old today. Weighed him on the cook's scale 12.25
pounds before his
breakfast. He looks lovely now, smiles at us all the time and so big and fat and nice looking. His hair is growing
and he has a sunbath every day now. Fergus
wants to take him in the big bath with all the others.
Angus has been back aft all afternoon. Ian and Duncan and I sat out in front, then Ian and I spent an hour in the
pool. Horribly hot but nice breeze. Angus
presented Chief Officer with his 2 hours overtime sheet.
He got a big kick out of it. Later played crib with Sparks, Chippie,
Beave. We won but not my playing that did it. I'll learn eventually.
Fergus looked after the kids as the all woke up. Chief came up for a drink before bed. Talked of his experience in
lifeboat during the war.
Bed about 11:30
Wednesday, October 21st.
Beautiful day. Very hot and humid these days. Chippie finished
Angus' dory and he
has it in the water. Ian and he playing in pool. Duncan asleep here, just going to sunbathe and
then a dip to cool off. Fergus still working
on car. Sat out here with kids all morning. This is a wonderful change. Really enjoying the sun,
rest and most of all being all together.
Thursday evening, October 22nd.
Did I say rest? I played crib with
Sparks, Holmes, and Pete Clark but we lost.
Then Sparks showed me 45's again. Fergus read his book, "The
Border Lord". I played
45's and asked questions. Know a bit more about it anyway.
Had a couple of lemon gins and went to bed early. The clock goes
back again tonight. About
3 am. just as I was trying to get back to sleep after being
up with Duncan, Fergus woke up with a horrible pain and stomach ache. The stone in his kidney again he
thought. He was horribly sick the rest
of the night. Nothing seemed to help much and the pain was terrible.
The kids all woke at 6:15 am. and Ian only slept about 3/4 of an
hour today so we are all weary
tonight. It's been a beast of a day too. The hottest
since Panama and a scorcher. Fergie napped or tried to all day in between drinking lemonade and bringing
it up. I tried to keep Angus and Ian
in one spot and as quiet as possible. They are all asleep now, thank goodness. Just finished the washing and
hung some out, had a bath and trying
to cool off. Am sure pounds melted off last night and today. The fierce pain has gone but Fergus still
bringing up everything, trying Bovril
now. Hope he sleeps tonight and that it's moved tomorrow. we'll see a Doctor as soon as we get to
Sydney, as this wasn't funny.
Friday, October, 23rd.
Fergus still not so good but think it is improving. Passed two
islands today, or one last
night and one today. One inhabited by 150 people and the
other not. Going to stop at Tahiti if Fergus isn't better. Should be
there Sunday. I have rubbed him
and put hot water bottles on continuously.
Saturday, October 24th.
Passed more islands. Fergus seems a bit better. Had a mustard bath
which seemed to relieve
the pain some. Also started hot cloths which seem to be better
than hot water bottles. Think it is getting better. Gave him more laudanum last night and he got a bit of
rest. Started ordinary kidney pills
which may help. He's very tired so should sleep tonight.
Sunday, October 25th.
Fergus feels much better. Thought he passed
the stone today. Had a good sleep
last night which helped him too. Got to Tahiti about middle of afternoon and were by it by dark. We were only 1/2
mile off so had a good look at it anyway. It's
all hills and mountain peaks and passes - all wooded
from this side. Supposed to be 18 miles - 4,000 inhabitants. Wish we could have stopped but very glad we didn't have to
for Fergus. Couldn't see the town from here
but it was good to see land again. Has been a hell of
a day though. Thank goodness tomorrow will be a new day and a better one, I hope. I couldn't
stand another like this.
Monday, October 26th.
Fergus better but
stayed mostly in bed as it stormed all day. Rained buckets
and the waves are getting bigger and rolling more all the time. Really running uphill all
the while.
October 31st. Halloween
Angus and I had a Halloween Party. Dressed him in my old smock and straw-hat and purse, lipstick. He looked cute too. We
made pumpkin faces for all the lights. Went
and called on the Chief and John. Got a bunch of chocolate
bars from each. It was raining and windy so we didn't go anywhere
else. Came back and drank coke and played a few games. He was thrilled and we had fun. He
misses his playmates.
Friday, November 1st.
Sewed most of the day. Still cool and cloudy most of the time. Angus
was up
on the bridge most of the day. Fergus finished putting the car back together so it looks like a car
again. Hope it works when he tries to start
it. We miss a day tomorrow, just isn't, and next day is Monday.
Still just water all around. 88 million square miles of it the Chief
said. We whip right
along but it is such a long way from Panama. Has been good weather all the way though and we
are nearly there now. Hope we can find someone
to mind the boys so I can see Australia after all this. It's good to be missing the winter at home
all alone. I'm thoroughly enjoying the trip
and being with Fergus most of all. Can't imagine going to sea from choice, not on a run like this,
just sitting here in the middle of nowhere with
time and the world going by and having no part in it. All they do is play cards in any spare time, or a
game of deck quoits.
November 4th.
A beautiful day. Had a couple of rain showers but much warmer, just
about right. We are
near New Zealand now and should reach Sydney Saturday pm sometime. Helped Fergie with the
car today, cleaning the upholstery. It didn't
start today but likely will tomorrow. One of the cats had been in it and it smelled lovely, I don't
think. Fergus has been playing cards and i
just finished the washing. The kids are in bed and quiet , thank goodness. They keep going all day but I
can stand their noise and bother with
Fergus around too. At least it's not just looking after children.
They're cute though in spite of their badness and they're not really
bad anyway. We
really whipped along today at 15 knots. You'd never know we were moving. Three big albatross
are following the ship now. The boys are all
busy painting the ship, looks nice and clean again. Angus has been helping ?? up on the bridge.
Yelled "Good morning Sam" to someone this morning
and when I asked who he meant he said it was "Beaver's
Fodder" who works
up in the wheelhouse. Tonight he said one of the boys who works there is named
"Ketchup". I must get some letters written before we get
to Sydney. Thought
I'd get lots done but haven't written one. Just been enjoying
myself doing lots of nothing and liking it. I'm so glad we could come. Duncan is thriving and Ian
has grown a lot too. Still has his wheeze but
if it warms up it should cure us all.
Saturday, November 8th.
Arrived Sydney at 2 pm. a beautiful hot, sunny day. Went out to
Clifford and Sylvia
Kidd's that evening. His mother and father were there too. Had a nice evening. We went over and
back on the ferry which we got at Circular Quay.
They have a small apartment. The "john" outside, around
the corner, but the
rest very nice. Had "supper" about 10 pm and got the 12
o'clock ferry home.
Next day was very hot and we couldn't drive the car yet, so we took
the ferry to Manly
Beach. Left Duncan on board. Saw the sharks in the pool and the fenced in pool for
swimming. Rode the ferris wheel and Angus went on
the merry-go-round. Then went over to the sea promenade and beach
where they surf.
Looked marvelous and there were thousands there, a scorching day. Ian got something in his eye
and looked awful. The ferry home was so crowded
we had to stand , then took turns at one seat. Went out to Tom and Merle McGrays next evening. Took
Duncan along. Their little girl Joan, stayed
up all evening and played. Sydney
- Melbourne - Sydney - then New Zealand Napier
- Christchurch - Palmerston North - Lower Hutt - Wellington
Entertained royally everywhere. Trade Commissioners, Board of Trade, Mayors, Police Commissioners,
Doctors, Agents, Mission to Seamen - everyone
so friendly and happy to have a Canadian ship and family to show around their beautiful countries.
Have a long list of friends made in both Australia
and New Zealand.
In New Zealand - Napier for Christmas.
Friday, January 23rd., 1948
Left Lyttelton, New Zealand at 6;40 pm for Panama and home. Had a
busy time as it was
a short stay here. Lovely day, cooler but sunny in the afternoon. Had lovely hot weather
since we arrived in Lyttelton and had 2 good
swims at Summer Beach. Windy and cold when we got out to sea, and rolling quite a bit.
Saturday, January 24th.
Sunny and cool, very windy and rolling a lot. The kids stayed in all
day as it was to
windy and tossing to much for out on deck. Milder tonight but still rolling away. No one bothers
but it is hard walking. Had Duncan up in
the baby-tender all afternoon and the other two played in the room
with their ca-ca's
(cars) while Fergus slept.
This was the 2nd. Saturday we could have done without. Cold and
windy and rolling
like mad. Everything flying all over and the kids don't like it much either and were pesty all
day. Played with them all afternoon but certainly
glad when they went to bed. Then Angus up at 12:30 am and Ian woke from the rolling. Fergus' hat
fell on Duncan and wakened him at 2:30 am
and then Angus was up again. I spent most of the night getting up to them all.
Saturday - week later
It's been windy and rough most of the week. Thursday
and Friday weren't to bad and we sat out in
the sun on deck in the afternoons. Fergus fixed the chair
and made a couple of canvas covers and is going to make a hammock.
Started to blow again in the night and although the sun is out occasionally it's rough again and very windy. The
temperature isn't so cold though, thank
goodness. Had a good thunderstorm last night. Sounded like
some earthquake rumbling. Made a pair of mitts and trousers for
Angus this week and nearly finished knitting a
pair of pants for Ian. We cut Ian's
hair yesterday which improved him a lot. He talks all the time now.
First part of week Still cool and windy, not
going very fast.
January 27th. to 31st.
Warming up a bit. Have the swimming pool going and sit out in the
sun every afternoon
and then have a swim. Fergus is making a hammock and fixing
deck chairs.
February 1st.
Duncan got his first tooth or I just noticed it today. It's very up
and another is
nearly through. The wind slowed us up so we passed Pitcairn Island at night so we couldn't
stop. All disappointed but it couldn't be helped.
February 2nd. to 7th.
Sat out in the sun and swam later. Getting a tan again. The sun is
hot but a cool wind
all the time which nearly blows us out of the pool. Duncan loves it too. He goes in everyday and
just cried the first day. Kicks and grins
and floats around.
February 9th.
Duncan 5 months today. Is nearly to big for his basket. His feet are
at the end and he
can almost get right out by pushing his feet on the side. Afraid he will upset it any day
now. Got a burn today in the sun. The hammock
is very comfy.
February 10th.
Almost finished Fergus' typing so will have to get back to my
sewing. Been carving
men out of chunks of wood for Angus. He likes them. Good weather. Still blowing but nice
temperature. Wish it were like this when we get to Halifax.
February 11th.
Duncan has another tooth. He had a lovely swim today. He practically floats on his own. Ian and Angus
are both half fish. Made more little wooden
men for the kids. Finished the typing then sat and talked and drank port half the night. Didn't have a game
of checkers today. First we have missed
for ages. Didn't have a walk either.
February 12th.
A hell of a day from start to finish. Felt like the dickens all day
and everything went wrong.
The Chief came up for a drink at night. A fiasco of a
day. Better not to have been and please God there won't be any more.
Friday, February 13th.
Good weather. All had a good swim today. Nice and hot, but a breeze. Getting warmer and muggier now.
February 14th.
HOT! "Friend" arrived, and how! Can hardly move and
couldn't have a swim. Fergus
took the kids all in and they had a good time. I went to bed from noon until 2. Helped a little. The
Chief was up in the evening.
Sunday
Really getting hot and humid. Rained on and off. The boys all went swimming. Really felt sick all day.
Should be better tomorrow. The Chief was
in for drinks and stayed til 1:15 am. All getting tans now. Rained like mad in the evening and so
hot. Engine stopped during evening.
Monday, February 16th.
Hot and still and not a breath of air and sea is calm as a pond.
Stopped at noon to
fix engine. Angus fished but no luck. Saw lots of flying fish and dolphins this afternoon and
evening. A lovely day. All had a good swim and
the boys had a "pash-pash" before bed tonight. Duncan
really loves it now
and squeals, laughs and kicks. He's getting huge. Moved his basket
to the floor as he
tips over now. He's getting a bit browner now too. Gave him a swing before bed again. He
loves it.
Panama
Arrived at 5 pm at dock and left at 2am. Fergus and I went up to Mr. Yost's house for a couple of hours. Had
a nice evening. She gave me a table
cloth and a hankie. Both very nice and a grand change after so much sea. Winter now so weather just
about right.
Sunday, Curacao
Got a car and went ashore in the afternoon. Took our bathing suits
and the driver took
us to big hotel and bathing beach. Left Duncan on board and we all had a good swim in the ocean.
The car came back for us at 4 pm. Had the
dearest bottle of beer at the bar, all the way from Holland. Drove
all over the island. Saw the
planes leaving from airport. Never saw so many goats
before in all my life. A dry barren looking island, mostly cactus and negro huts. Left about dark. Had the
same nice pilot. Had good weather
all next week. Sat out in shorts until Saturday when it began
to get colder and blowy.
Sunday rough and cold.
Monday, March 1st.
Arrived New York city. Temperature around 32 degrees (F) Snowed
later in day but
changed to rain. Called Harvey and Louise (Glover) but he was at union meetings. I couldn't go
ashore as I didn't have an up to date passport,
so have to go on to Saint John on ship. Called Mom and Dad from end of dock. Called Howard
(Glover) next night to meet us in Saint John. He
has been transferred to Halifax office (HFC- Household Finance).
Told him to phone
Cynthia.
Wednesday, March 3rd.
Left for Saint John. Should arrive Saturday am. Cold as Greenland,
15 degrees below F.
Hope it warms up a bit. To much of a change in such a short
time.
Saturday, March 6th.
Strike on in Canada. Advised to delay arrival. Wired Howard to wait
until he heard from
us, may go on to Halifax. Steaming around Bay of Fundy all morning waiting. Finally got word
to go straight to London. So guess we have
a chance to see England whether we want to or not.
Thursday, March 18th.
Had some good weather and some pretty rough.
Arrived London about 7 pm. Mr.
Cross waiting on dock. Very pleased to see the kids. Before Customs and all the men had left Mrs.
Cross sent message in from gate. What a mix up.
She came down and sat in one room, then I put the kids to bed and
she sat in bedroom
and Fergus and Dad in living room. Wouldn't speak to him at all. A heck of a mess. She finally
left about 10:30 Fergus walked to bus with
her. I made sandwiches the rest of the evening and Mr Cross stayed all night. Moved Ian to our room
and Angus to Ian's bed, but he slept with Grandpa
anyway.
Friday, March 19th.
Fergus in City all day. Got back to ship about 6 pm. Had kids ready
and got taxi out to
Loughton. Arrived 8 pm Bill and Mrs C at hospital so put kids to bed and they got home
about 10:30 pm. We all had Mrs C's room and she
slept in the living room.
Saturday, March 20th.
Fergus to get car at Brown's. Left early for ship and hoped to be
back early. Waited
all afternoon for Bill and finally got home at 5 without him. Piled kids in car and went
for a drive around. Were on a hill from which
you can see 7 counties. Stopped at old inn where Dickens wrote some of his works. Saw his insurance
policy 1812. Inn built around maypole.
Very old and lovely. Got home and put kids to bed and got something
to eat. Bill got
home while we were eating. Wanted to look for Timpsons but Fergus didn't feel like going out
so we sat and talked but it ended in a horrible
argument. Wished we had gone out. Got to bed at 4;30 am. Plan to get up a |
