MARINER'S ASHES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 120, 23 May 1945, Page 4

MARINER'S ASHES

CAPTAIN J. T. ROLLS

SCATTERED NEAR OLD SHIP

On the waters of the northern coast close to the spot where lies the sunken liner Niagara, the ashes of one of her former masters, Captain John Thomas Rolls, were scattered recently in accordance with the wishes of his relatives.

The Union Steam Ship Company's vessel, Kairanga, bearing the urn containing Captain Rolls' remains, came to a stop in the vicinity of the scene of the Niagara's sinking. The ship's officers and crew, many of whom, including the master, Captain T. W. White, had served in Union Company's vessels under Captain Rolls' command, were assembled on deck.

In the simple but impressive manner of the sea, the burial service was read, and the ashes scattered oh the water. Commodore of the Union Company fleet while in command of the Niagara from 1914 to 1924, the late Captain Rolls was one of the most popular commanders in the company's service, and was best known during that time on the Pacific run, from Auckland to Vancouver, via Suva and Honolulu. Many now prominent officers of the company, including the Auckland manager, Mr. A. R. Thompson, served under Captain Rolls. Mr. Thompson was purser of the Niagara at the outbreak of the last war. Born at Melbourne, Victoria, on October 15, 1861, Captain Rolls went to sea at an early age, serving his time in sail and joining the service of the Union Company on May 3, 1885, as fourth officer of the Wairarapa. During tne next four years, he served as third, second and chief officer of that vessel, afterwards becoming chief officer in the first Waihora and the Omapere. Captain Rolls was appointed to the command of the Moa oh April 26, 1894, and during his long period of service with the Union Company commanded the Rotokino, Upolu, Taupo, Ohau, Corinna, Grafton, Omapere, Brunner, the first Kini, Herald, Hawea, Ovalau, Flora, Moura, Tarawera, the first Talune, Oo'na, Mokoia, Warrimoo, Mararoa, Waikare, Manuka, the first Monowai, Maitai. Moana, Moerakl ana tne Marama. His appointment to the command of R.M.S. Niagara came on July 2, 1914, and he remained master of that vessel until reaching the age limit on December 31, 1924. Captain Rolls liveii in Sydney after his retirement, and died there last December.