LAUNCHED WITH A SONG

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 May 1936, Page 10

LAUNCHED WITH A SONG

NEW ROLE FOR GRACIE FIELDS

When the Isle of Wight Steam Packet Company’s paddle-steamer Grade Fields'entered the water, it was probably the first time a ship had been launched with song. -Miss Grade Fields herself performed the naming ceremony, and' as the hull began to slide down the ways one heard, instead of the customary cheers, the voice of the famous actress singing “Sing As We Go,” which has Reen adopted as the vessel’s signature tune. Throughout the proceedings, in fact, both during and after the launch, there was a refreshing air of informality and jollity which is seldom present on such occasions.

At .the lUjUcheon afterward, the chairman of the Isle of Wight Company made charming reference to the way in which Miss Fields had responded to his suggestion that she should lend her name to their latest ship. He also presented her with a platinum brooch bearing in jewels her initial letters as International Code flags. Sir John T,hornycroft (chairman of the builders) was equally gallant in responding to the toast of his firm, and, not to be outdone, presented Miss Fields with a silver christening mug.