lONIC’S EAST CALL

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 41, 12 November 1936, Page 12

lONIC’S EAST CALL

FareAvell Luncheon at Wellington

TRIBUTES TO LONG SERVICE

On her final visit to Wellington after a record service of nearly 31 years in Hie London-New Zealand trade, the Shaw. Savill and Albion liner ionic arrived yesterday morning to complete the loading of her seventyeiglith and last cargo from New Zealand. This grand old ship, whiei: is now making iter seventy-ninth voyage, will take iter final departure from Wellington early on Saturday morning for Southampton, London and AVest Coast, ports of the i'nited Kingdom. After completing her final discharge at Glasgow tlie old ship will be sold to shiiibreakers. To mark the occasion of her last visit to AVellington. tlie Shaw, Savill and Albion Company yesterday entertained a large party at luncheon on board the ionic, the hosts being Air. James Findlay, New Zealand representative of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company. Ltd., who has just returned from London. Air. E. V. Bevan, and Captain H. I’. Thurston, commander of tlie lonic. The guests included many who had been associated with the comings ami goings of the lonic for many years. Among those present were: Sir Alexander Roberts, of Aiurray. Roberts and Co., Ltd.; Air. C. AL Turrell, general manager and director of the New Zealand Shipping Company, Ltd.; Air. AVarwiek Gregory and Air. N. D. Binnie, of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line. Ltd.: Air. N. S. Falla, chairman of directors, and Mr. J. N. Greenland, general manager of the Union .Steam Ship Company : Air. \A. Lang, of the Blue Star Line: Mr. A. D. Bayfeild, general manager Federal Steam Navigation Company, Air. George I’earee. of Levin and Co., Ltd.. Air. A. E. Alabin, president of the New Zealand AVoolbrokers’ Association, Mr. R. Boulter. H.M. Trade Commissioner in New Zealand. Mr. T. C Brasil, secretary New Zealand Dairy Board, and other representatives of shipping, wool, frozen meat and dairy produce interests. After tlie toast of "Tlie King” had been honoured. Air. Findlay said they were gathered to say farewell to a grand old ship which was nearing the end of an honourable career, in the course of which she had made very many friends. Sir Alexander Roberts, in proposing Hie toast of "Tlie lonic.” said it was a great privilege to do so. but it was with very mixed feelings that lie ’

offered Hie toast of a very fine ship, which was an old friend to most of them. In expressing appreciation of the wonderful record of efficient service of tlie ionic. Sir Alexander said it was one of which her owners and builders might well be proud.

It had been his privilege to travel from England to New Zealand in the lonic on her second voyage in 1903. Tlie ship was then commanded by Captain J. B. Ransom, tlie chief ollieer was Air. Kearney, who afterward commanded several" AVhite Star liners, the chief engineer was Mr. McLellan, and the surgeon was Dr. Pitts, who was still in practice at Nelson.

This wonderful old ship had had a great career, said Sir Alexander Roberts, but although she was going to Hie shipbreakers, he did not think that her usefulness would be ended. The materials iu her structure would be converted into other means of usefulness in this world. He felt sure that all preswiit appreciated the great services rendered by this grand old ship to her owners and lo New Zealand. Those who bad travelled in her would be sorry to see the last of her. lor there was no ship iu tlie world steadier than the old lonic. One of his had remarked that: passengers could be just as comfortable in one of the old slii]>s 'as iu one of Hie seven-story lloating palaces of to-day. Replying to the toast, which was drunk witli great enthusiasm. Captain 11. I‘. Thurston, commander of tlie lonic, said, it was very gratifying to him and to all the ship's company, to know Hull the long service of this line old ship were so much appreciated and they were grateful that she was being given a titling farewell.