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Comments for the year
2013 |
Email / Date |
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Just "found" your site,
very interesting, having sailed with the old NZSC in the late
1960's. I was on the Paparoa, Piako, Nottingham, Rakaia,
Ruahine, Tongariro and others. I too have photos to share and
will endeavour to copy and send soon.
Michael Gartenfeld
Editor: When you're ready |
michaelatplanetary.com.au
02.01.13 |
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Hello, My father worked for the N line from 1956
to 1966 and sailed on the Piako, Rakia, Cumberland, Whangoroa.
Sadly my father passed away in 2007. He previously wrote on this
site and wanted to contact any of the old crews. Campel Tervit
who was his best man from Glasgow Berni Crellin lived in Isle of
Man. My brother and I have lots of photos and other information.
Hope to hear from someone. Regards Lee Bramald
Editor: Yes, please. |
leebramaldatgmail.com
04.01.13 |
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Bob Hunter was on Rangitiki
when she was in the Jervis Bay convoy in 1940/41.
He was a barber age about
20, from Stanley, County Durham. Does anyone have any info. on
him or the voyage please. I am asking on behalf of a relative of
his who, by coincidence now lives near Dunedin NZ.
Thank you Alan Williams |
willialanattiscali.co.uk
14.01.13 |
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Hello, I'm Lauchlan Mackay and i am trying to
catch up with anyone who knows or knew Ken Mackay (also known as
Kenneth and Kenny). He is my father and was the radio operator
on the s.s. Paparoa and the s.s. Rangatoto (not too sure about
second ships spelling) during the mid 1950s out of Glasgow. Ken
was about 17/18yrs, youngest aboard so he doesn't hold much
hope. But you never know. Dad has been living in New Zealand
since then.
Regards Lauchlan Mackay |
lauchlan7atxtra.co.nz
29.01.013 |
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Hi my name is Andrew Lennox
and I am looking for information on Norm Robertson (not sure of
the spelling of Robertson) who may have been on any of the
following ships, Rangitiki, Rangitane, Rangitoto, Remuera,
Turakina or Haparangi, in 1965,66 as an engineer. He was from
Scotland. If anybody knows of him or his current
whereabouts please contact me
at aslennox@ihug.co.nz 021 401 359 or 078231096 collect
Many thanks Andrew |
aslennoxatihug.co.nz
17.02.13 |
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I stumbled over this
website -as you do!
I was the children's nurse
(the only one) on the Rangitoto's maiden trip from Tilbury -
N.Z. There were over 80 children on board. General Freyburg came
aboard in Wellington and I remember he asked 'However did you
manage?' Captain Lettington smiled as I probably said something
like, "I love children, so it wasn't a problem!' That was mostly
true. After two more trips I joined the Natal Line. They were
fun days. (My name at that time, was Ngaire Farquhar.)
Nicki Waters |
nicki.watersatxtra.co.nz
20.02.13 |
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I was a passenger on RMS
RUAHINE in Feb/March 1952. During our voyage out to NZ we were
caught in the middle of a hurricane and the ship was nearly
capsized when we lost engine power and got turned side on to the
sea. The ship listed to nearly 45 degrees and cargo shifted as a
result. Do the ships log of that voyage still exist and can they
be viewed to see what was recorded of that event. At the end of
the voyage the Captain told my father that that event was the
closest he had ever come to losing a ship.
Alan Belcher |
alanjudeatxtra.co.nz
21.02.13 |
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From a clipping I forgot I
had taken from the Townsville paper of Oct 16th 1959."The
largest single shipment of beef ever to leave Townsville is
being loaded aboard the Northumberland. A total of 3000 tons,
for the States and Canada".
It did not mention that the
meat was stowed over a shipment of bundled copper sheets which
had to be frozen and kept at zero degrees for 24 hours. I was
2nd frig. Our Chief Eng. was Tommy Edgar and my greaser was Sam
Strickfuss both survivors of the Rangitane sinking.
Jack Cotter |
papanui1atbigpond.com
24.02.13 |
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The UK National Archives are undertaking a
project to detail all the vessels and crew that served during
the WWI so that the information is available to the public. I am
currently transcribing the details for a vessel called Orari.
Whilst I am unable to send you a copy of the original "Agreement
and Account of Crew" I thought you might be interested to know
that the information should be available in due course.
Generally the Account includes the names of the Master and crew
and also the addresses of where they were living at the time of
serving Jenny Edwards |
jenny.edwardsataonbenfield.com
01.03.13 |
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First may I say I hope you
are still out there somewhere, as I note that the last update
was 11 February 2012. I have read the many comments from your
readers and am thrilled to have found you with all your useful
information.
My family came to New
Zealand on the Ship Rotorua, leaving Liverpool on 9 September
1939, leaving just after war was declared. It was quite an
eventful journey starting with the ship clipping the wharf and
having to spend a few days in dry dock before we left. I was
only 7 years old so some of my recollections are a bit hazy. Due
I suppose to the declaration of war with Germany we were
accompanied for the first part of our journey with a convoy. My
mother was standing on deck next to a sailor who was looking
through binoculars at a ship on the horizon. He offered them to
my mother so she could have a look. She remarked that the ship
seemed to disappear rather quickly. The sailor had another look,
shortly after which a great deal of activity took place.
Apparently it was believed that the ship had been hit by a
torpedo and we children on board (numbering 7) were treated to
an exciting display of depth charges being dropped and water
being thrown violently into the air.
I have tried to find out if
this was really the case and what ship it was that was
torpedoed.
Can someone help me with
this please.
I believe the convoy left
us after a week and, for the rest of the trip, our ship took a
zigzag course adding an extra week to our journey. I do remember
that, in the evenings when cabin doors were opened on deck, the
lights automatically went out.
Do ships' logs get stored
some there and, if so, are they available to the public?
Our trip was via the Panama
Canal and, whilst we were travelling through the tropical area,
shade canvas was erected over the decks, presumably for the
comfort of the passengers.
Some of the more daring
children, myself included, devised a great game of climbing onto
the canvas and playing rolly polly backwards and forwards while
those not rolling called 'Stop' when we got near the edge.
Needless to say, once the crew became aware of this, our little
game was brought to an abrupt end.
I think it was nearing the
end of our voyage - perhaps only days out of Auckland - when one
of the officers became ill and died. Another excitement for the
children - we had a burial at sea, and I can remember the
shrouded body being tipped over the side and sinking beneath the
waves.
As the passenger list was a
fairly small one, we became friendly with the crew members and
I, as one of the smaller and younger children on board, was
often carried on the shoulders of one or other of the crew
members.
It is very sad to know that
the Rotorua did not make it through the war. I believe it was
sunk on its next voyage, possibly with the loss of all lives.
Thank you again for being
there for us and I look forward to any information other readers
can give me.
Margaret Becroft |
margaretatadminmanagement.co.nz
03.03.13 |
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How can I obtain my
brother's service records please?
John William Palmer - first vessel (cabin boy I think) June 1955
on Rangitane. He was born 1939 in Liverpool Lancashire.
Many thanks Pat Fielding |
patgfieldingathotmail.com
04.03.13 |
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Find this site fascinating.
My father sailed with NZS company in the 50's & 60's until his
early death in 1969
I have many pictures of his
ships on my wall as well as boxes of papers relating to his
work, menus & entertainment rotas, shore leave letters,
promotion letters, wage slips & much more, even his uniform,
ties etc which I am currently, since my mothers death last year
going over.
I would like very much to contact anyone
who worked with him, Terry Pocock all those years ago.
Keith Pocock |
keith.abaseatgmail.com
13.03.13 |
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No mention of the 'Empire Windrush'
I was Fourth Officer on
her for four voyages in 1949, servicing the Mediterranean
garrisons from Southampton. She went to Korea the voyage
after I left her. I heard she went down in the Med a few
years later after an engine room fire. Mike Stephens
Editor: And when did she become part of the New
Zealand Shipping Fleet
|
mikestephensathotkey.net.au
23.03.13 |
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I travelled from New Zealand via the
panama canal to Britain on the Rangitane in 1960 at the age
of 6 months old. My parents were returning to Britain having
previously emigrated on the Rangitata. My parents were James
and Mary Nichols and I have a brother Simon who also was
with us. It has been fascinating finding out about the ship
I was too young
to appreciate. We might have some ship
memorabilia but that I do not know for certain.
Denise Smith
|
purpledenatsky.com 23.03.13 |
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I joined Ruahine Royal
London Docks November 1963 my first ship served as a deck boy.
Homeward bound in British waters a passenger ended his life by
jumping overboard. Most of the crew on deck were from Stornaway
Scotland. Dennis Earle |
oceantrave16athotmail.com
01.04.13 |
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I joined Nottingham in Swansea for her
maiden voyage. We cargoed in Liverpool, then sailed for
Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville and Perth. Back to Hull, across
to Antwerp then home to London. As a seventeen year old
every moment a precious memory. I am now 79 and with six
children and I am trying to put together a picture of my
life. Any little piece of
information would be appreciated, leads
etc.
Thanks Michael Bell
|
mikebell1933atgmail.com
10.04.13 |
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Does anyone remember a young
hairdresser by the name of Tony Hutt who worked on the P&O
boats in the 50's and 60's. He was on the Rangi boats and
the Northern Star but possibly others as well. He was killed
in October 1964 in a car accident as he travelled home to
London after the Northern Star docked in Southampton.
I am his daughter and I would
appreciate any information anyone might have.
Sheryl Bulow
|
sherylbulowATgmail.com
13.04.13 |
Hi Jeffrey
Saw you didn't have a photo of "my" Papanui only the
first Papanui.
Sailed on her as an Engineer Cadet in 1958 from UK to NZ via
Suva Fiji. Papanui was hot, uncomfortable, hard work, slow but
fun!
Found some data on her in the Clydebank Database.
ss PAPANUI
built by Alexander Stephen & Sons
Glasgow,
Yard No 592
Last Name: FLISVOS (1965)
Port of Registry: PANAMA
Propulsion: Steam turbine
Launched: Tuesday, 27/10/1942
Built: 1943
Ship Type: Passenger Cargo Vessel
Tonnage: 10002 grt | 5887 nrt | 9715 dwt
Length: 494 feet
Breadth: 64 feet
Draught: 27 feet
Owner History: New Zealand Shipping Company London
Status: Arrived for Scrapping - 05/10/1965
Remarks: Scrapped Kaohsiung Taiwan
Editor. As always Len thanks for
sharing. I have put your photo up.
|
lenchapmanathotmail.com
15.04.13 |
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I twice sailed as a passenger on
Rangitane (1951 and 1964) I'm looking for my table waiter of
Oct / Nov 1964 from Auckland to Tilbury. Mr Richard J
Kirkham, then of 27 Station Road, Marston Green,
Warwickshire. We had good times ashore in Tahiti and Panama
City and he gave me James Bond paperbacks to read. It would
be great to catch up. John Bury
|
johnburyathotmail.com 17.04.13 |
|
Editor: Just spent hours cutting
pasting and loading 68 of John Taylors photos up on the Essex,
photos courtesy of his son Andrew. You get to see Panama &
Baltimore canal, overhaul in Savannah, crew photos. |
20.04.13 |
|
Editor: Just loaded up the officer &
crew list for the Rangitoto courtesy of
Martin Shubert |
20.04.13 |
Hi Jeffrey,
Wow, thank you very much. It is such a shame that Dad is no
longer with us to see his photos on your site. He would have
been so chuffed.
If there is any more I find, I will send them on to you.
Cheers Andrew |
and69rewathotmail.com 20.04.13 |
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My father was involved in
an incident aboard the mv Sussex in Sydney in May 1943 and am
curious to know more about it Jayne Anderson |
jandersatpac.com.au
21.04.03 |
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Enjoyed looking at photos from John Taylor, he
sailed with me from Australia on Essex as a working passenger,
had a visit from him when he toured Scotland on holiday, is he
still in Australia?
Archie Clark
Editor: John's son Andrew has replied on
20.04.13 to say he has passed away. Perhaps you can email
Andrew. |
archieclarkatblueyonder.co.uk
22.04.13 |
|
Hi Jeff,
There is a good write up on the EMPIRE
WINDRUSH, in Crossed Flags.
NZSC, became managers of the ship under
its old name MONTA ROSA. after she was allocated to Ministry
of Transport 8.11.1945. She was renamed EMPIRE WINDRUSH
21.1.1947
She seems to have had a very accident
prone life, first as a German ship and then sailing under
the British flag. Bill Nadin
Editor: Thanks Bill for clearing
that up
|
will.nadinatntlworld.com
23.04.13 |
|
Morning Mr. Shaw, I would just like to
say hello to a few engineers I sailed with on the Otaki and
Cumberland. Chris Botes Chief eng. Living in Auckland, Ron
Little 4th, John McLeod 6th,Tom Gallacher 2nd Elect and
Taffy 3rd eng. Here's hoping you are all fighting fit, and
all you engineers who worked on the 2x5 LBD Doxford, centre
scavange pump, solid linktop piston swinging arms, built by
John Brown.
Thanks Mr Shaw for your time and effort on this amazing
site.
Best regards James Pugh Amsterdam
|
pughconatgmail.com 29.04.13 |
My grandfather was on board Tongariro when
it collided with Drumlanrig off Dover on 27th November 1908. The
Tongariro was seriously damaged and anchored at Dover for
repairs before returning to London. My grandfather was then
transferred to the Whakatane for his journey to NZ. Is there an
official report on what happened?
Rose Smith |
goro.smithatxtra.co.nz
30.04.13 |
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Jeff, i contacted Andrew Taylor re his dad
thanks to your brilliant site. Archie Clark
Editor: That's what its all about
Archie |
archieclarkatblueyonder.co.uk
05.05.13 |
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Hi. I am trying to find the location of
the painting of the Rangitiki done by Stanley Pellett. My
great great grandfather, Captain William Scotland, sailed
her from England to Lyttelton (where I live) in 1876, in
record time. Previously 'homed' at the NZSO in London I was
wondering if anyone has any idea where the painting has
ended up? Thanks Trent Hiles
|
trenthilesatgmail.com 14.05.13 |
|
My father served with NZSL during 1939 -
41. On ships Turakina and Essex and others (?) but I don't know
exact history. Currently going through his paperwork. Some
Photos, documents and letters home. Can I find out about his
career with NZSL through you ? His name was 'Richard Ian
Christopher Henry Warren' (Born 1922 - Died 1989) Nick Warren |
warrenickathotmail.com
15.05.13 |
|
Hi I put a comment on last year I think
my email was wrong I am still looking for a (Billy) William
MacDonald, McDonald. He was a steward on one of the Rangi
ships he would have been in Auckland NZ in 1960 and the I
believe he sailed back to the UK. If anybody has any
information on him please email me.
Kim Abraham
|
kimbenny61athotmail.com
03.06.13 |
|
I was a nurse at Walton Hospital
Liverpool. 1970 -1972. The parties on your ships were great!
I've fond memories of the ships. I know Frank Huddleston,
from Yorkshire, emigrated to Australia & married. He was an
electrician, i think. Terry Emerson died in the 80's, must
have been in his 30's, from Kent. Andy Davidson was a third
mate, from Scotland, always wonder what happen to him. I
believe I was known as the Forsythe saga, long dresses, hair
up, apparently I was supposed to look like Nyrene Dawn
Porter the actress in it.
Anyway e mail me if anyone remembers,
I've lots of letters from that time somewhere!
Sorry I married a P. N. S. C. Deck
officer!
I looked you up because my younger son
asked about a necklace I used to wear, was surprised that it
was an from an old boyfriend, asked had his dad known and
laughed when I said probably not.
Maria Owen nee Roche
|
myowen42aticloud.com 08.06.13 |
|
Marvellous set of pictures posted of
the Essex. Just as I remember her! Looks like they had a
problem with one of the magnetic shaft couplings? Just wish,
like many others, that I had taken a camera to sea with me.
I was in the Essex in 1973 - hard working but great crowd
and ship.
Graham Perkins
|
grahamperkinsatinternode.on.net
09.06.13 |
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During the War I was an apprentice in
the yard of Alex. Stephens & Sons...I helped in the
installation of Shafting and Engines in The Papanui.. Also
on the Paparoa... I later sailed Third Engineer with
Ellermans City Line and in Sept. Oct. in 1949 went aboard
the Papanui and went down below to see how MY ENGINES
were....
It was like I was home again ! John
Maxwell
|
jedmax305attelus.net 09.06.13 |
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Left New Zealand in 1960 for England on the
Rangitane. Elizabeth Cardno Grisedale |
liz@wakefields.co.za
06.07.13 |
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My dad has died (in 90th year), but he
was on the MV Essex as an engineer & finished (as far as I
am aware) in Malta until the end of the war. I showed him a
picture of the Essex (I found on the internet), which made
him cry (it brought back memories he didn't want to think
about). His name was Thomas Brown, born in a small mining
village called Shotts (Scotland), but I was born on the
Wirral in England (near Liverpool.
John D Brown
|
johnb@traffik.uk.com
06.07.13 |
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I have a 1934 calendar bearing a
painting by J Sparling of the NZ Shipping Company's "Piako"
dated 1876 by courtesy of The Blue Peter, London.
My maiden name is Williams and the back
of the calendar records that my great grandfather William
Williams travelled on board this ship with his wife and
children and settled in Timaru. There was a fire on board
and he saved a wooden writing case only. This is all the
information I have about my great grandfather -- I would
be grateful if anyone would help me
find about his emigration to NZ and this ship?
Marie Anticich
|
marieanticichatgmail.com
11.07.13 |
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Joined NZS and Fsnco 1958 to 1966
Middlesex Cornwall Hertford Rangitata lincoln Piako Somerset
Hurunui and Northumberland.
Does anybody out there know a Terry
Clayden he was from Dover Court Harwich we sailed on the
Rangitane in 1961. Derek Aked
|
akedmarineatxtra.co.nz
14.07.13 |
|
My Dad, Joseph James (Jim) Wilson, was
abord the SS Tekoa & SS Ragitane in the 1930s serving as an
Engineer.
Having scanned his two official photos,
I'd like to send you copies and more information by email.
David Wilson
Editor: That would be wonderful David, please send as
jpeg
|
gmpublicmailatvirginmedia.com
20.07.13 |
|
Dear Jeff Shaw
Thank you for replying and pleased to
hear that you are interested in a bit of your history and
perhaps you might be able to shed more light on my father's
time with yourselves.
Joseph James (Jim) Wilson was born on
the 29th September 1914 and originated from the Liverpool
area.
Married on the 26 September 1942
Died on the 23rd December 1999
Dad served in WWII and helped prevent
the sinking of the 'patrol' ship he was on which was
torpedoed. He rose to Lieutenant Commander RNR (from memory)
He ended up in a very senior position
with Lloyds Register of Shipping and as a President and
Fellow of three Institutions - Refrigeration. Marine
Engineers and Naval Architects.
I've asked my older brother to help me
find or put together a brief potted history for you, should
you be interested.
The photographs are in MEDIUM format
size and only suitable for the web. They are not suitable
for printing, so should you with to print them, please ask
me to send the full size file scanned from your official
prints - a copy of which you might have in your library/
archive.
Kind regards
David (Wilson)
Editor: Have loaded the
respective photos on the Tekoa and Rangitane, thank you
David.
|
gmpublicmailatvirginmedia.com
22.07.13 |
|
4/o,3/o RMS Ruahine Dec1960-July 1961
3/o Essex 1961-2m 3/o, 2/o Sussex 1962-3 David Prime
Editor: Man of few words
|
davidprime37@outlook.com
24.7.13 |
|
Hi Jeff
I've
noted that there isn't a photograph of 'Nottingham' in your
gallery. I've found the attached, but can't quite remember
which port we were berthed at, but somewhere in Queensland
I'm sure. The date would be 1964 or '65. I don't know
whether it's any use to you.
Kind
regards. Stuart Edwards
Editor: Have created a
Nottingham photo page and acknowledged your contribution
Stuart.
|
stuart.c.l.edwardsatbtinternet.com
30.07.13 |
|
To Mr Shaw
I have been sorting through some slides
of my time on the Rangitoto and thought you may be
interested in some of the pictures.
Regards Ron Gentle (Last 10th engineer)
Editor: Ron thank you so much,
it's been a joy loading all 27 photos. Great to see the fond
farewell at Auckland and you guys doing King Neptune on the
equator.
|
05.08.13
ronnie.gentleatntlworld.com |
|
G'day all, Course 5 engineer cadet
survivor from "Otaio"; many good memories of an out of the
ordinary apprenticeship and an outstanding shipping company.
Will attempt to send you some "Taupo" photos Jeff, also, if
you can do anything with it, a press clipping and photos of
the "Taupo" aground in Nelson in 1967. Regards to all, Paul
Dangerfield
Editor: Send them in and lets
see what we can do
|
charsfieldboyatyahoo.co.uk
08.08.13 |
|
Hello Jeff,
I hope you can do something
with these attachments. Not sure about the newspaper
cutting, will understand if it's not possible to display it.
The three photographs of Taupo were taken in Sydney in 1967
I think, same year as the grounding in Nelson. I was on
board at the time, 6th. engineer I believe. March 13th was
the date, which was also my birthday, and the incident
obviously put paid to us getting alongside that night. Which
was a great pity, as I had a hot date waiting ashore who had
travelled over from Picton to give me a "special" birthday
treat. Frustration and raging hormones often used to go
together! Great days, fantastic shipmates, wonderful
memories. Thanks for "love job", so much appreciated.
Best regards, Paul Dangerfield
Editor: Locked
and loaded on the Taupo photo section, many thanks
|
charsfieldboyatyahoo.co.uk
08.08.13
|
|
I was a Naval tailor and outfitter in
Liverpool and visited NZ ships from 1950 until they all
disappeared I joined Durham Association and paid as a life
member However since the death of Rex Neate I have not heard
anything from the Association and talking to another member
who was Ch.Frig who said the same. Does the Association
still exist? Sam Smith
|
samsmith399atmsn.com
01.09.13 |
Hello again, some more pics of the Paparoa
after hitting something just off East London in South Africa
that mangled our prop. I never found out what it was we hit.
Circa 1963. TTFN.
Fred ThompsonEditor:
Photos loaded Fred, many thanks |
ft_music@hotmail.com
10.09.13 |
|
I joined Manapouri as a "first trip"
Galley Boy at Liverpool in March 1973. Pat Jones was Chief
Cook, Ron (the Corporal) Ford was 2nd Cook. I did 4 trip to
Oz and NZ in Manapouri, then joined the Somerset in early 76
as second cook with Ron Mardell. Did a number of "work-bys"
on round the UK coast in Taupo, Tongariro, Strathtay and
Somerset again.
After that I was in most of the "Wild
boats" up until 1982, when it seemed that P&0 G.C.D. fell
apart! That nice Peter Langley (remember him?) at St.
Botolph Street, got me fixed up with a contract with Furness
Withy. But 2 years of Containers and LPG Carriers made me
realise that the "Good Times" were over.
I did my last trip as Chief Steward on
Manchester Challenge. Payed off at Felixstowe in in November
1984.
There never were better jobs that the
NZSC ships.
Just about to retire from the police
after 30 years and planning a trip back "down under".
It would be great to hear from any
former shipmates.
Happy Days and great memories.
Best wishes. John "Taffy" Owen
|
johnowen1251atbtinternet.com
15.09.13 |
|
I am keen on finding out some of the
sailing history of an old friend of mine. He was a bosun
with the NZS company. His name was Roderick Mackinnon and he
was from Barra. N Macleod
|
nliurbostatgmail.com
01.10.13 |
|
I have been looking up this magnificent
site now for several years and of course as the years
progress there are less subscribers from the old days. As
the second anniversary of chief engineer Big Jim Clark's
death takes place in December I though there might have been
some comments about him as he was notorious for his
strict/ruthless ways but there again the company must have
liked him as he tidied up many an engine room. I
remember the Essex or Sussex with big
Jim on board docking in the Albert dock round about 1963-64
and 5 engineers had their bags on the dockside within
minutes of the ladder touching the dock. Later on when the
greasers got fired up on bevy they went up to Big Jim's
cabin and hacked his door with knives trying to get access.
A 2nd lecky approached me in Lyttelton wanting a swap with
one of the Durham leckies who was an Aussi like gig Jim.
This guy could not take any more strife as on one occasion
he had to go down the engine room and clean a well glass
fitting at 2 in the morning. Talking about the old days I
have just read for the 3rd time David Carpenter's book
'Below the Waterline' As David states it's the last
generation of 'hands on engineers'. Every time I read his
book I could smell the diesel fumes and hear the sounds of
the main engines. I suggest that all engineers read this
book as it is a great read telling how it used to be. A
friend of mine had a son who joined the MN as an engineer
cadet a few years ago and he said that it was a terrible
trip 'the engine room control
room air conditioning did not work'.
This should cause a little laughter in the older hands.
Several of my friends and their friends have read the book
and enjoyed it along with David's other book 'Dockside
apprentice' so, every ex engineer get on to Amazon and buy
them.
There was a mention of Ma Gleesons in a
book I was reading recently and it brought back memories of
a first trip engineer who started to flirt with blossom a
regular in that sawdust floored establishment. He went away
with Blossom and as usual no one said a dickie bird to him
but when he got back to the boat he was full of his sexual
exploits. We all said to him in the showers next day 'are
you meeting blossom tonight'. His reply was ' To true and it
will be the same as last night'. At 6 o clock he came back
to the ship raging as he found out his beau had nuts and
bolts where there should not have been any. He blamed
everyone for not telling him, but, we reminded him of his
previous nights exploits.
Anyway I hope someone recognizes my
name and drops me a line.
Jim Whiteford
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jbwjbw41atbtinternet.com
03.10.13 |
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Sailed on MS Rakaia, MV Suffolk, MV
Haparangi and MV Turakina, between September 1965 and April
1969.as First Electrician. Found NZSC/Federal Lines a very
good firm to be employed with. I would like to trace a few
people that I sailed with over the years.
Many thanks. H. Macfarlane
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quirainghouseathotmail.com
07.10.13 |
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Hi, I sailed on MV Piako June to
October 1971, my dad was chief engineer on board. I have
great memories of this trip even though i was 11 years old
at the time. We sailed from UK to NZ
Lynne Edmonstone
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lynneedmonstoneatbtinternet.com
11.10.13 |
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Just seen the photo's I sent Fred of
the damage to the Paparoa's prop. 10.09.13
They were taken in the Princess
Elizabeth dry dock at East London, South Africa. The local
press " Daily Dispatch" read " THE MYSTERY OF E.L.s HAZARD".
it reported that some locals believed we had struck an
uncharted rock & others that we had struck a Russian
submarine. in reality one blade came adrift, hit the stern
post which momentarily halted it's progress to the sea bed
the result being that the following blade hit the freed
blade shearing a lump off & also the tip of another. We were
light ship & the vibration the imbalance caused was
considerable. The two spare blades we had on board replaced
the damaged ones
We had a whale of a time in East London
whilst repairs were done playing a dockers cricket team, who
slaughtered us, a local league football team who beat us by
one goal but we showed them a clean pair of heels at darts &
dominoes despite the local brandy which was 6 shilling a
bottle rocket fuel.
ps. I was third eng. on board & have the local press cutting
of the incident
Ken Crackett
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ken_crackettatbtinternet.com
13.10.13 |
Photo
attached of the Paparoa in dry dock Birkenhead
Ken Crackett
Editor: Photo loaded |
ken_crackettatbtinternet.com
21.10.13 |
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Magazine articles for the
Remuera attached.
Coastal Cruise & Remuera
Rescue photocopied from:- The Maori Club Magazine October
1964 No. 15 Remuera Last Voyage photocopied from:- Crossed
Flags Vol. 1 No. 1 May 1965
Ken Crackett
Editor: Have loaded the articles
on the Remuera photos section
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ken_crackettatbtinternet.com
23.10.13 |
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Great site!
Joined Rangitane as the Junior Junior Eng. in Royal Albert Dock
1962.
Did two trips to Kiwi coast....via Curucao, Panama, Tahiti then
back via Tahiti, Panama, Kingston, Fort Lauderdale, Hamilton (as
3rd Freezer, good skive).
Often wondered what happened to the ' Mottley Crew'
We ran with one cylinder blanked off on one Doxford on the
second trip due to a cracked crankshaft! (Those were the days!).
Went on to join William France Fenwick's brand new Spanish built
Chatwood, now that was an experience made it to 2nd Eng due to
attrition mainly!
Hi to anyone who has survived the experiences!
Hi to anyone out
there.......Trevor Inman |
treatiatbigpond.com
25.10.13 |
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Photos of the Remuera at Fort
Lauderdale Grant Wallace 5th eng. Albert Britain Chief
Officer & Andy Ross Second eng. Also the Remuera bridge, the
Azores rescue & one of Tahiti which was a popular port of
call.
Also one
of the Paparoa.
Angus
Graham Ch. lecky, ? 2nd lecky, KC 6th eng. Arthur Bell 3rd
eng. Eric Redfern 8th eng. Fred Thompson 4th eng. ? Junior
eng.
Ken
Crackett
Editor: Have loaded the photos
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ken_crackettatbtinternet.com
25.10.13 |
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My name is Gabrielle Carroll and I work
for Mayfield Grammar School (Formerly Gravesend Grammar
School for Girls) in Gravesend, Kent, UK. We are about to
celebrate our centenary next year and in anticipation of
this have named one of our new 'houses' after Captain D H
Chadwick of the Haparangi. Our association with Captain
Chadwick dates from our adoption of the ship 'Haparangi'.
All correspondence between the school and the crew
have been lost and therefore we have
very few facts about Captain Chadwick or life on board the
Haparangi. I would love to hear fom anyone who knew Captain
Chadwick, his first name, where he was born or who know any
of his relatives. I would also love to hear from anyone who
sailed under his command and can let me know about life on
board. The idea is for the girls to do a research project
for our centenary year so it is vital I manage to track down
some information. Thank you in anticipation of hearing from
you.
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gabrielle.carrollatmgsg.kent.sch.uk
19.11.13 |
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My pals father sailed on a New Zealand
Shipping Company vessel called the ss Devon, in approx 1936,
out of Liverpool. I can see the 'old' Devon that went
aground in 1913, and the later Devon, that was build in
1946, but I can't seem to dig any information about a ship
called SS Devon around 1936.
Has anyone any knowledge of it? Regards
Bob Leadbetter
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bob.leadbetterattalktalk.net
29.11.13 |
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I was with NZS from 63 as an engineer cadet
on course 6 Left in 76 and worked in NZ for 20 years then came
over here to Aussi Still working not much choice no one knows
how to keep engines going anymore, NZS was a great outfit to
work for and the lads were a great bunch, Keith Purvis |
keithpurvis60atgmail.com
21.12.13 |
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Would like to make contact with any
crew members that sailed on the Ruahine November 1963. Have
seen a listing of a Dennis Earle who sailed then but cannot
get into his email address. Plus how do I make a small fee
towards the crew list site. David Cheasley
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dcdavid22atgooglemail.com
24.12.13 |
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All the best for 2014 to everyone in NZ
thanks to Jeff for a fantastic site, keep the comments
coming folks, it is great site to visit each day, memories
of times past at sea cannot be beaten, wish we could turn
clock back lol Archie Clark
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archieclark@blueyonder.co.uk
26.12.13 |
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I was the fourth engineer on the MV
Kaituna between September 1970 and March 1971. I am writing
an auto biography and would love to know if any old
shipmates are still around. Brian Williams in particular. I
sailed with Captain HG Robertson (ex Wahine) and Captain
(big) Jim Robbie Anthony Charles Smith
|
anthonycharlessmithathotmail.com
30.12.13 |
