SHIPPING COMPANIES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 57, 17 September 1928, Page 15

SHIPPING COMPANIES

ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT \ sea chanty or two, and some sailor yarns by Captain P. A. Macindoc, other entertaining items, some short speeches, and the presence for a short time during the evening of the crew'of the Southern . Cross, gave a distinctive touch to the combined shipping' companies' annual smoko concert, which was held in the Concei-t Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday night. There was a very large attendance; in fact there were too-many for the accommodation available; but, nevertheless, every one enjoyed himself. Colonel N. S. Falla, C.M.G., D.5.0., prosided, and among those seated at the mam table were Sir Alexander Roberts, the lion X A: Wright, the Dominion Meteorologist (Dr. E. Kidson), Mr. G. M'Namava (Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department), and Mr. E. Darroch (Navy League). Apologies for non-attendance were received from Sir Francis Bell, the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup), Sir John Luke, Mr G. C. Godfrey, secretary of the Marine Department, Mr. T. Forsyth, M.P., and a number from shipping company oflicials, and also from members of the Harbour Board. After tho loyal toast had been honoured Dr. Kidsou proposed the toast of "The Navy." New Zealand, he said, had always appreciated the value of the Navy, and we were proud of its achievements. The British Navy was an influence for good, and our existence depended upon its adequacy. Although it was hoped that with, the signing of the Peace Pact the millenium had arrived—and God grant that it had— there were many who believed there would still be a use for the Navy, said Mr. Darroch in reply. Until perfection in mankind was found, it was believed that the Navy was the best guarantee of peace, and in the event of war it was certainly our only chance of victory at sea. The toast "The Mercantile Marine" was proposed by the Hon. R. A. Wright, who said that, although he had not travelled a great deal, he had done sufficient travelling to know that the whole of the trade and commerce of New Zealand depended upon the mercantile marine. During the late war the mercantile marine had played a wonderful part, and it was easy for anyone to see that without the courage and resource displayed by the men of the mercantile'marine in the dark days of the war Great Britain would have been reduced to a state of starvation. As long as anything was remembered of the Great War, the courage of the men of the mercantile marine would not be forgotten. Captain F. A. Macindoc, of the Merchant Service Guild, replied to the toast, and told some of those yarns with a tang of sale about thenifi khich have earned for him a reputation. Mr. M'Namara proposed the toast "Shipping Companies," remarking that he thought there was a distinct link between the Post and Telegraph Department and the shipping companies. The Post and Telegraph Department contributed a little over £100,000 a year to the shipping companies, and the work of the companies was much appreciated. The shipping concerns were a distinct link in the business of New Zealand, and those who had to handle the mail side of the business realised how expert the shipping men were. Another service in which his Department and shipping men were brought into touch with one another was in connection with wircles. Mr. James Findlay, 0.8. E., and Mr. P. N. Jeffreys responded on behalf of the overseas and local companies respectively. Other toasts honoured during the evening were "The Shipping Football Teams," and "The Press." An excellent programme of songs and other items ivas arranged by ifr. Len. Barnes. Among those who contributed to the entertainment were Messrs. R. Kemp, Will Hancock, A. J. Mazengarb, Len. Barnes, and the Clarion Quartet. Mr. Ray Hill was the accompanist.