A RED FUNNEL CHANTY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 114, 18 May 1925, Page 10

A RED FUNNEL CHANTY

The ohaniy hereunder, specially written for the occasion, in collaboration with the sea staff, was sung at the jubilee dinner by all hands, Captain W. P. Collins being leader. 'Air.; "Blow the Man Zhvm." It is now fifty years since New Zealand saw the start (Hey ho, blow the man down) Of the Red Funnel Fleet the pride of our ; heart (Give us some time to blow the man ' down). Sir James Mills is here and still at the head . (Hey ho, blow lie man down) So we 11 have no occasion to use the hand lead I (Give us some time to blow the man down). There's '"C.H." and "IXA.," who make a good pair (Hey ho, blow the man down) And their judgment is wise and decision most fair (Give us some time to blow the man down). To name all hands it would take some time, (Hey ho, blow the man down) So those just mentioned are on the top lino (Give us some time to blow the man down).

The Aorangi, no doubt, is first.of its class (Hey ho, blow the man down) . ; And proves to the world the "U.S."' is . not last . , i -.".-, (Give us some. time to blow the man . down). ■ ' . •' ...

Now, corns all the staff and join in with ■me here '' ,• ■ . - , (Hey ho, bk>w the' man down) And give the company three hearty good ofieers . : . .-■ (Give us some time to blow the man .*» down). . , '■ ■ . . _ ._ /'

Two of the Union Company's original vessels have remained in harness .to'comparatively recent' times. The Beautiful Star, 176 tons, built in 1862; was in the company's service from 1875 to '189§; when she was sold to Hobart, owners.' in December, 1907, -while she.-.', was •■-lying nnder overhanl alongside the repair hulk Derwent Hunter, at' the v Hobart Shipyards, the hnlk took fire, and the flames 'extended to the Beautiful Star and completely gutted her. ; A couple'of years later the engines were removed arid the hull taken' to sea and 6cuttled.' ' ' ■.' .'

People -wlio admire the'liues of a Hiip as eqaine devotees do the. points in--a thoroughbred, are particularly partial. to the shapely proportions and graceful curves of the. Moeraki- .and Manuka (sister ships)," the' Mararba,' arid .the Maori. ..

The boata ofl other days certainly .pro-' vided liberal tables and co.mfortable accommodation, according tol t-ho standards of their times. . ,