“Finished with engines"

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34012, 28 November 1975, Page 17

“Finished with engines"

(By

JOHN LESLIE)

“Finished with engines”—all seafarers know what this means. But it does not indicate that one has “run out of steam,” even at 63 years of age.

Today the writer retires—- ■ and tliis is the last column of shipping news he will write in “The Press.” On a ship’s bridge, and on the corresponding engine-room telegraph. • “finished with engines” means just that. Although one has rung this [often enough at sea, there its no bridge telegraph in the 'Lyttelton office of “The [Press.” But today signifies [the end of the voyage, lastling 46 years, afloat and ; ashore. Retirement should mean a “changing of gears” but not [all gears. "Finished with [engines” means that niachinery will be silent, and so 1 temporarily will be the writer’s typewriter. In a recent letter, an octogenerian and former Parliamentarian, John A. Lee. said: “Retire to work. I am as busy as I ever was. Work you want to do is Life.” The writer agrees. Retirement will not mean the end of writing, or the end of anything — only the beginning. one hopes. “The Press” has been a fine employer, and in the [writer’s opinion one of the last sane beacons in an .increasingly crazy world which is having an impact even in this faraway country.

As a youth, there were only two things the writer .wanted to do — to go to 'sea or become a journalist. He would do the same again. His work has thus been his (hobby; bin there should be Lio mental vacuum on retirement, for ships will still come sailing, and a typewriter will still be handy. In this New Zealand paradise, Where all are equal in opportunity — something appreciated only after world-wide travel — he can indeed fee) a millionaire. One has much to be grateful for, especially the support of a loyal family. To those who have written letters over the last few years, the writer gives thanks. And to the warm, [beautiful people of Lyttelton, la very special word. Lyttelton has been good to him. Life has not always been easy here, but mostly happy. In Lyttelton, there is much that is richest in living; and the writer in the last, week i or two has endeavoured to Isay something about this. What one might miss most •is ’he sight of skilled pilots 1 swinging large vessels m the

inner harbour, children passing by, and above all the friendliness of Lytteltonians generally. But life is for living now, and always compensates, even if one has “finished with engines.” ARRIVALS Straat Fremantle (5.30 a.m.), 10,909, Capt. P. L. Eichhorn, Wellington (Guthrey). Woosung (6.27 a.m.), 5393, Capt. M. H. A. Swift, Wellington <P and O (N.Z.). Rangatira (6.45 a.m.). 9387. Capt. J. D. Cleaver, Wellington (U.S.S.). DEPARTURES Straat Cumberland (3.8 p.m.), 8855. Capt. G. P. Proper, Tauranga (Guthrey). Port Auckland (4.53 p.m.), 10.200, Capt. V. A. Hunt, Bluff (Blueport). Rangatira (8.5 p.m.). 9387. Capt. .1, D. Cleaver. Wellington (U.S.S.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS ■, Hawea. Dunedin, today. Golar Freeze. Dunedin, today, 1 ownsville Star, Napier t\o\ ember 29. Rangatira, Wellington, November 29. Union Trans Tasman, Tauranga, November 30. Rangatira. Wellington. November 30. Kinryu Maru, Inchon, November 30. Messiniaki Anagennisis Wellington, December 1 (tanker). Coastal Trader. Auckland. December 1. Marusumi Maru, Japan, December 1 (bulk). Kotuku, Marsden Point, December 2. (Tanker.) Union Sydney, Dunedin, December 2. Tekoa, Auckland, December 4. Rose. Auckland, December 5. (bulk). Maheno, Auckland. December 6.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES 'Hawea, Wellington, today. ! Straat Fremantle. Auckland, today. . Rangatira. Wellington. November 29 idaylight). Rangatira. Wellington. November 30. Coastal Trader. Dunedin, December I Messiniaki Anagennisis. Dunedin. December’ 1 'Tanker, i Japan Rirnu. Napier. December 2 Golai Freeze. Napier. Decemb«'i 2. Woosung. Tauranga, December Union Sydney, Wellington. December 2. Kotuku. Bluff. December 3 < Tanker.) Union Trans Tasman. Dunedin. December 4. i Maheno, Tauranga. December 6. ! Rose, —, December 6 (bulk). VESSELS IN PORT Straat Fremantle, No. 2 Cashin Quay. . Somerset, G.P.E. Woosung, No. 2 East Holmdale. No. 3 East. Japan Rimu. No. 3 West. Wairua. Graving Dock