LATE MR. GILLON

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 69, 14 December 1932, Page 10

LATE MR. GILLON

Ashes Committed to Sea LAST TRIBUTE TO VETERAN In committing to the Tasman Sea, which he had crossed more times than any known man, the ashes of the late Mr. O. H. Gillon, veteran purser of the Union Steam Ship Company’s fleet, fitting tribute was paid by his former shipmates on board the Monowai to the memory of one who had a unique record of 42 years’ unbroken service afloat, and who was known and esteemed by many thousands of travellers in the company’s ships. Mr. Gillon, whose family live in Sydney, was seriously ill when he made his last voyage in the Maunganul in October and died in hospital on December 4. Following the funeral service, the remains were cremated at Sydney. The casket containing the ashes was placed in the keeping of Captain A. H. Davey, commander of the Monowai, when that ship left Sydney for Wellington last Friday night, for burial at sea.

At noon on Sunday the Monowai was exactly midway between Sydney and ■Wellington, her position being latitude 37deg. 14min. south; longitude 161 deg. 57min. east. As eight bells was struck on the ship’s bell, her whistle was sounded and the ashes of the late Mr. Gillon were committed to the deep by Captain Davey, who was attended by other shipmates of the veteran—Captain Duncan McDonald, of the Makura, Mr. T. W. White, chief officer of the Monowai, Mr. Neil McCaig, chief engineer, Mr. W. A. Castle, purser, Mr. M. McFadgen, chief steward, and Mr. W. J. Hutt, second steward. AH those present had previously signed their names on a card attached to the casket, which was wrapped in the Union Company’s house flag anff heavily weighted. The Monowai was steaming at full speed when the casket was dropped into the sea. All was done as the veteran had wished.