SHIPPING NEWS

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33498, 1 April 1974, Page 14

SHIPPING NEWS

SHAW SAVILL’S HOUSE FLAG

Thousands of New Zealanders, and most employees of Shaw Savill and Albion Line, Ltd—afloat and ashore—believe that this great company's house flag was once New Zealand's national ensign. A correspondent, “G.A.K,,” of Spreydon, has thrown a spanner in the works. He writes: “I have to correct your statement in shipping news recentlv that the Shaw Savill house flag is the same as the former NewZealand ensign.” Last week, when Shaw Savill and Albion’s handsome cargo liner Iberic loaded wool, general, and refrigerated cargo for the Mediterranean and Britain at Gladstone Pier. Lyttelton, a hard, long look was taken at her house flag. “G.A.K ” is right, and New Zealand’s earlier national ensign was different. “G.A.K.” says that a similar Incorrect statement is made in “Flags,” by I. O. Evans, and he will write and inform the proper folk that it is wrong. The! difference Is small. The original: New Zealand ensigns had a white! border around the blue background of the red St George; cross, in the upper canton of the hoist (briefly top corner). There is a larger St. I George cross In the centre of the flag. Thanks to “G.A.K.”' onlv now will hundreds of folk realise the difference. Even before they possessed ships of their own. the Shaw Savill partners adopted the house flag which was. in fact, the New Zealand ensign chosen by the Maori chiefs in 1834. This was one of the prettiest flags ever designed, and even the amended Shaw Samuil and Albion house flag of today is attractive. In earlier days, even though chartered bv Shaw Savill vessels —once at sea—lowered the Shaw Savill flag and put un their own house flag. That is unless thev were actun’lv Shaw Savill shins. As with Shaw Savill and Albion’s Iberic fn Lvtteltnn last week, the bous» flag has been staring waterfront workers m the face for mans years, and un f li "G t.K,” pointed out the truth, nobody gave it a thought.

The name Shaw Savill. as distinct from Shaw Savill and Albion, is used in different contexts. After the amalgamation with the Albion Line the full name was used, but even today, many opt for the easier and brief term Shaw Savill. Us * ■-?- ARRIVALS Saturday Rangatlra (6.44 a.m.), 9387, Captain R. E. Pugh-Williams, Wellington (U.S.S.). Sunday Rangatira (6.49 a.m.), 9387, Capt. R. E. Pugh-Williams. Wellington (U.S.S.). Tasmania Star (7.30 a.m.). 12,605, Capt. W. A. Kinghorn,; Timaru (Blueport.) (Bunkering.) DEPARTURES Saturday Soochow (6.8 a.m.). 8077, Capt. J. M, Parker, Tauranga (P and O (N.Z.), Ltd). Rangatlra (9.5 a.m.), 9387, Capt. R. E. Pugh-Williams, Wellington (U.S.S.). (Daylight.) SundayTasmania Star (8.17 p.m.), 12,605, Capt. W. A. Kinghorn. Capetown (BlueportJ. Rangatira (8.34 p.m.). 9387, i Capt. R. E. Pugh-Williams ,Welllington (U.S.S.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS Katea, Newcastle, today. Coastal Trader, Auckland, today. Holmdale, Chathams, today. Rangatira, Wellington, April 2. Neder Lek, Wellington, April 2, Ashbank, Wellington, April 2. Erne. Marsden Point. April 2. (Tanker.) PROJECTED DEPARTURES Coastal Trader, Dunedin, today. Holmlea, Wellington, today. Ryutu Maru, Nelson, April 2. Rangatira. Wellington. April 2. (Daylight.) Atrevida. Timaru, April 2. Union Wellington, Dunedin, April 2. VESSELS IN PORT Atrevida. No. 2 Cashin Quay. Mahabir, No. 2 East. Holmlea, No. 3 East.