Baby Bom On Maori Claimed As Northerner

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28950, 18 July 1959, Page 12

Baby Bom On Maori Claimed As Northerner

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, July 17. Although Philip John Bell, weight 81b lOoz, was born at 3 a.m. today when the inter-island steamer Maori, bound for Wellington, was opposite the mouth of the Clarence river, his parents, Mr and Mrs G. R. Bell, of Greenmeadows, Napier, claim him as a North Islander. •

Philip John’s arrival brought to light a series of coincidences, all of which contributed to the report that “both mother and baby are doing well.” Captain E. G. K. Meatyard, master of the Maori, cartnot recall another birth on an interisland steamer. Mr and Mrs Bell have been on holiday in the South Island. About 10 o’clock last night, there were warnings that the birth of their baby was likely.

Mrs K. Rooke and Mrs M. Pedley, stewardesses on the Maori, both English-trained registered nurses, immediately took charge of the situation and safely delivered the baby who “fought and punched like a champion” during his first wash. Captain Meatyard looked into the cabin some time later, found the mother asleep and the babyin good care, and then entered the event in .the ship’s log. The news sffread quickly, round the ship when passengers awoke. Hurrying along on her extra duties. Mrs Rooke was stopped by a male passengeF who said: “Just like the Tofua, eh?” She then recalled that two and a half years ago, while aboard the Union Steam Ship Company’s Tofua on its Islands run, she delivered a baby girl to an Auckland woman. Mrs Rooke has been with the company for six years and Mrs Pedley for six months. When all the excitement had subsided, someone remembered that among the passengers was Dr. H. C. Burry, a member of the touring Canterbury Rugby team. He called on mother and baby; but found they were in fine spirits and that no medical attention was needed. An ambulance, called by radio by Captain Meatyard, took Mrs Bell.and Philip to the Hutt Hospital so that they could be near relatives until they continue their eventful journey home. Mr Bell had his own problems. Today, the ship’s company decided to celebrate the first birth aboard by collecting money for the baby. The fund will be used to buy Philip John a gift. If there is a surplus, it will be put into a bank account in his name.