Interesting people at Lyttelton

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33800, 24 March 1975, Page 17

Interesting people at Lyttelton

SHIPPING NEWS

(By

JOHN LESLIE

When one is asked who is the most interesting person interviewed by the writer at Lyttelton over a long period, the answer could be tricky—because everyone is of interest; if one bothers to find out. In a place with so many people coming and going, or just staying put, and in answer to S.R.C., of Lincoln, here is a cautious choice — not an easy one — of three persons. Mrs Emily' Lydia Harvey, a cheerful octogenarian who died last year at Oamaru, after a lifetime in Lyttelton, was eternally young. Her father had been a hulk keeper, and as a girl, she lived for 10 years aboard the coal hulk Darra in Lyttelton Harbour. Widowed soon after marriage, she built a rich, useful, and full life in her gracious, two-storey house in Lyttelton’s Coleridge Terrace. She lived alone with her “budgie.” Even in her eighties, Mrs Harvey was younger, it seemed, than many teenagers today, who have forgotten how to smile — perhaps not their own fault. A keen Methodist churchgoer, Mrs Harvey lived with ships. She recalled the famous Antarctic ships' Nimrod, Terra Nova, ' Morning, and Discovery. Her home contained fine Dresden china, among other things, but she was no materialist. Her maritime lore was astounding, and her mind encyclopaedic. Her upright piano was old, mellow', and the keyboard a delight to touch. Window-gazing at the harbour was a favourite hobby. She was, in the truest sense, “a rich person,” who had conquered adversity. And everybody liked her. Next comes a young Lyttelton man, John Morrison, who had drive, determination, imagination, modesty certainly, and independence. He asked for no hand-cut and represents much that is finest in New Zealand nationhood. Many today might envy John Morrison, particularly those who .think they are not receiving ail they might in hand-outs and “spoon feeding.” In 1963, this young former pupil of Xavier College started building his 32ft auxiliary cutter Maris Stella. The writer watched his dream and toil turn to reality. A young carpenter, with little money, John Morrison was set back by a severe motor-cycle accident. But the whole town was eventually able to turn out to see the launching of the Maris Stella. John Morrison’s first sextent he showed the writer. He had studied navigation by correspondence. Working at his trade, he sailed New Zealand waters, then the world. First to Australia, the Pacific Islands, then to South Africa. Europe, and the West Indies. He is now' in California. At one time. John Morrison’s “crew” w'as a South African girl. Last year, then 32 years of age, he married her. in Alaska. This young man is cast in the Sir Edmund Hillary mould. He came alive” years ago.

11 Anyone can do it, if they .’know what they want, but ■i to wishbone, must be added ' ( backbone. John Morrison ■ I may come back one day — , he is a splendid ambassador , for his family, country, and Lyttelton. The third most interesting •person interviewed by the ; writer at Lyttelton was an American millionaire, nearly nine years ago. He was Mr ,R. W. (“General”) Johnson,; ' who arrived in his 1083-ton ■ private “yacht” Golden Crest. Mr Johnson was y famous, courteous, and I informative. He had recently (retired as chairman of John>!son and Johnson, the world's . I largest manufacturer of surIgical dressings and baby! ■ powders. He had many; ■ awards for service. His attractive Italian secretary. I; Miss Olga Feretti, hovered, (in the background. Every time the writer’ (passes a pharmacy, he re-1 ’calls “General” Johnson,; (who even with all that (“baby powder” did not smile ’much; not like John MorriIson or Mrs Emily Harvey. yMr Johnson probably did not have the free enjoyment the . “kiwi millionaires” have in . this wide, open country — . something that is sometimes k good to remember. ARRIVALS Saturday > Rangatira (6.33 a.m.), 9387. Capt. J. D. Cleaver, Wellington. ■ (U.S.S.I Bowoon (6.50 a.m.). 2550. Bun- > daberg (Scales). (Bulk). Sunday 1 Rangatira (6.04 a.m.). 9387. , Capt. J. D. Cleaver, Wellington. (U.S.S.). Japan Kauri (8.09 a.m.), 6996. ■ Japan. (N.S-.5.). Soochow (9.02 a.m.), 8077. Capt. 1 J. M. Parker, Wellington. (P. and [ O. (N.Z.), Ltd.). j DEPARTURES > Saturday ' Rangatira (9.58 a.m.), 9387, - Capt. J. D. Cleaver, Wellington. »■ (U'.S.S.). (Daylight). .. Persian Reefer (5.17 p.m.), 6010, i Capt Knud Johansen, Nelson. ’ (Scales). I, Emilia Plater (7.48 p.m.). 6718, Capt. H. Chmielecki, Cardiff. : (Kinsey). Sunday Rangatira (8.35 p.m.), 9387 . Capt. J. D. Cleaver. Wellington. , (U.S.S.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS ; Hong Kong Surety. Napier. . today. ; Grand opal. Christmas Island. 1 today. (Bulk). Zealandic. Wellington. March 25. .Coastal Trader, Auckland today.,’ Union Sydne\, Dunedin. March 25 Union Wellington. Auckland. March 26. Rangatira. Wellington. March 25 Katelysia, Geelong. March 26. (Tanker.) H.M.N.Z.S. Rotoiti, sea, March 27. H.M.N.Z.S. Pukaki. sea. March 27 Hamilton. Marsden Point. March 27. (Tanker.) PROJECTED DEPARTURES Novoaltaysk. Dunkirk, today. Erne. Timaru, todav. (Tanker). Ngatoro. —, March 25. Coastal Trader, Dunedin, todav. Union Sydney Wellington, March 1 25. i Oakbank. Napier, today. Rangatira. Wellington. March 25. Japan Kauri. Auckland. March 27. Hong Kong Surety. . March 26 Union Wellington. Wellington.; March 26. Bowoon. Wellington, todav. > • Bulk.) I Grand Opal. Timaru. March 27. (Bulk.) Hamilton. Nelson. March 29 i Tanker.) Port Brisbane. Pitcairn Island. March 27. H.M.N.Z.S. Rotoiti, sea. March 30. H.M.N.Z.S. Pukaki. sea, March 30. i VESSELS IN PORT Soochow. No. 1 Cashin Quay. Oakbank. No. 2 Cashin Quay Hong Kong Surety. No. 3, Cashin Quay. Port Brisbane G.P.E Japan Kauri. No. 1 B.W. Holmdale, No. 2 Ea>t Bowoon. No. 3 East. Persian Reefer/Grand Opal. No. 3 West. Ngatoro. No. 4 West Novoaltaysk. No 7 East Teesta. No " West. 1 Erne, Oil Wharf. j