MEMORIAL UNVEILED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 63, 7 December 1938, Page 3

MEMORIAL UNVEILED

Former R.N.V.R. Commander LATE CAPTAIN OLPHERT In memory of the late Captain Wybrants Olphert, D. 5.0., D.S.C., R.D., R.N.V.R., commander of the Wellington division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve from its formation in .1928 till his death early this year, a tablet wais unveiled and dedicated at the division’s headquarters, Hinemoa Street, last night. The tablet was unveiled by the Director of Naval Reserves, Captain E. G. Morris, R.N., (Rtd.), and dedicated by the divisional chaplain, the Rev. G. M. McKenzie. There was a good parade of members of the reserve under the Commanding Officer, Commander F. E. Taylor, R.N.V.R. Guests included the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash; the chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, Mr. C. M. Turrell, and a number of former members of the reserve.

“On the formation of the Wellington division in 1928 Captain Olphert was appointed its first commanding officer and he continued in that capacity till his death,’’ said Commander Taylor iu his address. “He had become a revered leader and true friend to all. We remember with pride that he was our captain; we go forward determined to carry on the work In the way In which he would have wished.” Before unveiling the tablet, Captain Morris reviewed the sea. services of Captain Olphert, and in particular his service in the Imperial Navy and New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. “He was an ideal Q ship captain, as one writer said,” said Captain Morris. He joined the New Zealand Shipping Company after demobilization, was appointed acting-Marine Superintendent in New Zealand and subsequently Ma ri ne Su peri n tend ent. “The New Zealand Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve came into being in .1925 in Auckland and three years luiter the movement, was extended to Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin,” Captain Morris said. “Captain Olphert was appointed commander of the Wellington division aud he was responsible for the formation and organization of this division. He was promoted to captain in 1936 and continued in the command of the division till the time of his death. “The men <>f the merchant navy,” Captain Morris said, “during the days of the Great War created new and lofty ideals of national service which they have handed down as a rich heritage. During the 10 years he was in command of the Wellington division, Captain Olphert practised these ideals rind created the efficiency now obtaining in the division.” Those present were: Mrs. W. Olphert. Miss N. Olphert, Miss Betty Olphert. Miss Barbara Olphert, Mr. J. Olphert. Lieut. W. Olphert, Major A. Tennant. Mrs. Horrax. Miss H. Horrax. Mrs. F. E. Taylor, the Misses Taylor. Miss I’. Morris. Mrs. C. M. Turrell, Captain Holland (R.M.S. Rangitata). Captain and Mrs. V. G. Webb, Lieut.Col. E. M. Staee. E.D., Lieut.-Coinmand-er Lever-Naylor, R.N.V.R.. (Ret.), Lient.-Comnuinder Bothamley, R.N.V.R.. (Ret.), • Engincer-Lieut.-Coni-nmtider Lidgett. R.N.. (Ret.). Pay-master-Lieu t. Biss R.X.V.R.. (Ret.), Rev. B. J. Williams. Mi’, and Mrs. Sinel (N.Z. Shipping Co.). Captain K. Tether (N.Z Shipping Co.). Mr. L. Skcet. Mr. W. Tweedie. Mr. ('. Harbottle. Captain Peterson (Wellington Harbour Board). Captain A. Mclntosh (Shaw. Savill and Albion Co.), Mr. Clegg (R.M.S. Rangitata). Mr. Whittaker (R.M.S. Rangitata).