CAPTAINS ALL

Evening Star, Issue 20613, 13 October 1930, Page 11

CAPTAINS ALL

MASTER MARINERS FORGATHER ANNUAL DINNER AT SAVOY There was an atmosphere of the sea in the Somerset Lounge of the Savoy on Saturday night, when the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners met for their local annual dinner. Three pleasant hours quickly passed in song and story, and, after the loyal toast and the toast of the Master of the Merchant Navy had been honoured, the latter, accompanied by a spirited rendering of the sea version of God Bless tho Prince of Wales,’ the gathering proceeded to consider the annual report. . The annual report stated that the second year of the company’s existence had been ono of quiet but solid progross, and signs were not wanting that tho original and principal objectives of the company were in some measure being achieved. Tho congratulations of tho company were due to Captain Coll M'Donald in his appointment as one member out of three to sit as a Royal Commission to take evidence and report upon the Auckland Harbour Bridge scheme, and, further, to his unanimous election unopposed to tho chairmanship of tho Otago Harbour Board. These honours were due to Captain McDonald's strong personality, knowledge, and wide experience in all matters pertaining to tho sea. Eleven meetings of the executive took place last year, while there was a meeting of delegates in Wellington, following the annual dinner. Unfortunately representatives from Auckland and Lyttelton were unable to be present. At this meeting two important subjects were brought up for consideration — namely, first, that all members attending tho official annual dinner should subscribe 12s fid, thus relieving tho funds of the company to that extent per head; secondly, that delegates^from Auckland, Lyttelton, and Dunedin be allowed their transport expenses when meeting in Wellington. Ultimately both these motions were carried, and later, at a meeting of tho executive in Dunedin, duly confirmed. In February of this year the company regretfully took leave of its first patron, Sir Charles Fergusson. His Excellency’s reply to a farewell telegram was as follows: —“ I am most grateful for your kind telegram, and there is nothing that could give me greater pleasure than tho kind message from tho master mariners. Please accept yourself, and convey to them the warm appreciation of Her Excellency and myself.’ 1 Lord Bledisloe,_ tho new Governor-General, had graciously accepted the office of patron, in succession to Sir Charles Fergusson. Tho second annual dinner took place at Wellington on August 23, the coinpan y being honoured by His Excellency tho Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, the l?sn. Sir Walter Camcross, the Hon. Sir Charles Statham, the Hon. Mr Voitch (Minister of Railways), Captain John Fraser, R.N., D. 5.0., the Bishop of Wellington (the Right Rev. Dr Sprott), and Sir John Manning, Bart. Owing to tho unforeseen fact that the _ evening was that arranged for a civic farewell to the Prime Minister, tho company was unable to have the pleasure of Ins company, which same fnct also deprived it of the company of tho Minister of Marine, and of its distinguished vicepatron (tho Right Hon. Sir brands Dillon Bell). . , It was tho duty of tho executive to place upon record the invaluable services rendered by the president (the Hon. Sir Charles Statham), and to him tho thanks of tho company were mainly duo for the of the evening. Apologies wore received from Captains Foster 'and Dalgleish, who at tho eleventh hour wore debarred from attending. , , . ~ „ The company lamented tho death of Captain Nathaniel Welch, who died after a short illness in his hundred-and-first year; "Iso that of Captain Ballons, LS.CL, an outstanding figure among the master mariners of tho dominion,

and one the loss of whoso intimate knowledge of the New Zealand coast left them considerably poorer. The company also mourned tne passing of Captain Iloss, of Grey mouth, Captain Waller, of New Plymouth, and Captain Campbell, of Auckland, three valued members. The annual report was adopted. A quiet and touching tribute was paid to the victims of the RlOl as from navigators of the sea to those of the air. A feature of the evening was the very fine singing of ‘ Shipmates of Mine ’ and ‘ On the Road to Mandalay ’ by Mr Bert Rawlinson, while Captains Barcham, Roberts, and F. Macdonald proved valuable assets to the vocal wealth of the company, and shantys were rendered in that never-to-be-for-gotten way by men who from boyhood had worked through storm and shine to their inspiriting lays. _ Mr Hargreaves made a most efficient accompanist. Messages to Captain Toten, of the Tahiti, and Captain Melville were proposed and carried, and the evening brought to a close with ‘ Auld Lang Syne’ and the National Anthem.