JOURNEY'S END

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 86, 12 April 1941, Page 20 (Supplement)

JOURNEY'S END

Well-known Mariner Passes For years during the Great War, in fair weather and in foul, Captain IT. A. Dillner, until recently Superintendent of Marine at Auckland, formerly of Lvttelton and Dunedin, patrolled the North Sea, mine sweeping, escorting and patrolling; facing all the dangers of the sea with determination and with gallantry that won for him not only British awards but also foreign decorations. His devotion to duty throughout his long and trying service brought credit not only to himself, to liis country and to the Service of which he was a distinct adornment, but exemplified the highest traits of British seamanship.

Tho other week he crossed the bourne from which no traveller returns, and his parsing brought a deep sense of personal loss to a wide circle of friends throughout his native New Zealand, and in particular to ITiose closely associated with him in the business of the port of Auckland. His unassuming and retiring disposition could not conceal the inherent genuineness of his character; ho held the interests of the men who go down to the sea in ships in the higlie-t regard, and never failed to grasp any opportunity of forwarding them; to-day ♦here are men sailing the seven seas in British merchantmen and British naval ships who will have cause to regret the passing of Captain Dillner, men who have had reason to be grateful for his help and guidance. For years he wore the badge of the New Zealand R.S.A., and was faithful to its highest ideals of eomiradesliip.

The sea was in his blood. TTis father was one of the best known masters on the Xew Zealand coast. Captain O. A. Dillner of the Blackball Shipping Line] a man who could handle vessels with an uncanny efficiency, and known partic'i-

larlv in Greymouth. where he has been cheered at the waterfront after br his ship safely to the wharf against the bar signal. A brother, Mr. Dillner, is chief engineer on one of the Union Company's largest freighters. Captain DiUner is survived by his widow and brother. The late Captain Dillner is to-day remembered and revered for his many outstanding qualities.