Comments for the year 2012

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I've just been reading my uncle's (John Barnes) diary of his passage to London on the Rangitoto (12th June 1954 to 12th July). He wrote a page for every day aboard the ship and I was surprised to find I couldn't put it down. He had a ball and made great friends. A diary entry two months later - broke and heart broken in London he reminisced, "Tonight I heard music from 'South Pacific' and lived once again for a moment or two in the Rangitoto's ballroom." Joanna Carey

02.01.12

Hi Guys,

Joined MV Otaio Spt. 63,course 6, voy. 12/13 as Eng. Apprentice (we were never cadets as we were fully indentured!) During this period the Duke of Edinburgh visited Otaio, then Poplar Tech. for 2nd year.

Phase2 Haparangi, Northumberland, Hurunui, Hinakura as Eng. Apprentice

Phase 3 Poplar Tech then Hinakura,7thEng,

Devon from1969 to 71 rising to 3rd Eng.

Otaio (HT) Dorset 71 to 72. After regrouping - Advocate (HT)Hain Line, Nardarna B.India. Couldn't handle P&O ways so joined Esso Petroleum (£ month trips) until retiring as Chief Engineer 1999. Most years with Esso but best years with NZS Co.

I have two books on NZS One hard back A4 size called "Crossed Flags" published by World Ship Society ISBN 0905617878 & Merchant Fleets No 7 (on NZS & Federal)TCL Publications ISBN 0946378029 - actually bought this from a now defunct bookshop in Falmouth, Cornwall. No books on Esso!! Only names that come to mind from joining are Dave Wilson & John Boxall, there was a tall lad called Fred ???. John Boxall emigrated to S.Africa, Dave Wilson went to Cleveland area, ending up director (?) of a company fitting anodes to ships hulls.

Anyone out there remember? I can come back with some stories again.
Haydn Gwyn Thomas

Editor: You do that - I have sent you a private email introducing you to someone else who lives in your local area who you can share your stories with.

05.01.12

Hi once again, this site is becoming addictive!

I read on a previous item about a Chief Engineer called Jim Clark of the Northumberland. He was Chief when I and two other engineer apprentices joined in Liverpool. So it must have been after the major engine disaster because Jim Clark went on leave about one week after we arrived in Australia. His reputation was such that when we sailed we lost three junior engineers by the time we left the locks, that put us three apprentices on watch as acting juniors! I do remember he was a large man and used to scare the daylights out of us, especially when you had to take the log book to him at noon, as he used to give you a good grilling on the days logs. It did train you know what you were recording and not just put it in blindly! Though it probably helped a lot later in my career when I was Chief reading log books. The engine room entrance door kept changing colour from white (as Jim wanted it) to black (as the second engr. wanted it, (he was a steam chief doing motor time)! This dispute kept us amused for a long time. Jim Clark also had a reputation of clearing the cheese board on his way to his seat in the saloon, to keep him going while he waited for his meal!

NZS/Fed. certainly had some characters, most of which i seemed to have sailed with!!!

Cheers guys, anyone remember the Doxford song? I'll print what i remember another time Haydn (probably remembered as "Taff" 
Haydn Thomas

11.01.11

I am interested to know what tonnage was the Rangatiki that sailed to Australia and New Zealand for 10pound fares in 1952,1954, I was a 16yr old boy working on the ship at that time for the New Zealand shipping company. Anthony Ralph Compton

As an ex Radio Officer with NZSC in the 60's serving aboard Dorset, Cumberland, Cornwall and Hurunui I read with interest Simone and Bryn Davies article regarding Peter and Leif Selwood. Both Peter and Leif where both shipmates of mine. They both played on our 1962 Auckland shield winning football team. Leif sadly passed away but if anybody can help me get in touch with Peter I would be most grateful as I have pictures of him and his brother to pass on.

Regards to everyone who remembers me.
Cheers Lawrie Summers

22.01.12