Master Mariners meet

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 12

Master Mariners meet

In spite of the serious decline Sin British merchant shipping, the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners has maintained the same numerical strength of 67 members, according to its latest annual report.

The membership comprises 33 full members, 10 country members, 16 retired members, five honorary members and three life members. Surprisingly, the national total membership showed a slight gain. Captain H. R. Coates was elected Warden of the Christchurch branch and Captain C. M. J. Bos-

worth was elected Deputy-Warden at the recent annual meeting. Appreciation of the close co-operation of the commanding officer of H.M.N.Z.S. Pegasus, Commander D. B. 8001, and his officers, was recorded at the meeting. Among those present was the branch chaplain of the company, Captain P. A. Shields of Christchurch (also a qualified master mariner). Two items of interest to Christchurch folk were noted. The former inter-island steamer express Rangatira, used as an accommodation vessel in the Falklands just after hostilities

ended, has been sold to the Greeks for Mediterranean service, after being laid up in Falmouth for years. The Rangatira (9387 tons gross), is to have a refit costing $13.5 million, before entering service. She carried thousands of Canterbury people in her day. An earlier Rangatira (6152 tons gross) was broken up at Hong Kong in 1968. It was also learned at the meeting that a well known Greek liner, the Ellinis (18,564 tons gross), formerly the Americanbuilt and owned Lurline (Matson Line), has been sold for scrap.