CAPTAIN J. B. MUNNS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 204, 29 August 1935, Page 11

CAPTAIN J. B. MUNNS.

FORMER MARINER'S DEATH Captain John Benjamin Munns, formerly one of the best known master mariners on the New Zealand coast, died at his home at Annandale, Sydney, on August 7, aged 85 years. A native of London, Captain Murine went to sea at the age of 14, and served in the famous clippers in the China tea trade, being in command of the City of Athens, at the early age of 24. Coining to New Zealand in 1870, he was given command of the brig Dawn, and later commanded such well known vessels as the Moonali. Catherahani, Kathkit. Midget, Senorita, and Northern Chief, Koua, Silver Cloud, and Eastward Ho.

Captain Muuns had many strange experiences to relate, of his adventures on the deep waters. He was in command of the Catherahani when she suddenly capsized in Newcastle harbour in 1011, but by his splendid seamanship no lives were lost. In 1024. when he was in command of the Kathkit, his vessel was adrift in the Tasinan Sea for 58 days, every sail being lost in a great gale. Captain Munns brought his vessel safely to port by using blankets and sacking for canvas. Captain Munns is survived by his widow and an, adult family of four sons and four daughters, one of his sens, Mr. John Muuns, being a resident of Mount Eden.