OBITUARY

Grey River Argus, 28 July 1941, Page 4

OBITUARY

CAPTAIN F. W. D. COX.

One of New Zealand’s best known mariners, Captain Frederic William Daniel Cox, formerly Harbourmaster at Grevmouth, died at his residence on Saturday morning after a long period of ill health. Captain Cox, who retired two years ago, was born in Vaughan Victoria, 77 year§ ago coming to Greymouth in 18(3. He 'served his apprenticeship at Mr. W. McMillan’s brewery and aerated water business, but in 1879, signed on the barquentine, Mary Wadley, in the inter-colonial trade. After about 18 months, he joined the full-rigged ship, J'ohn Duthie, and in that and other ships spent some time m the trade between New Zealand and England. Later he secured his master’s ticket and sailed on various vessels. He secured his extra master's ticket in 1890 and was appointed deputy harbourmaster at Nelson, holding that position for about 15 months, until he Joined the Union Steam Ship Company as junior officer. After serving in various steamers, he was appointed deputy harbourmaster at Westport, and, about 18 months later, the Government transferred him to Nelson as Harbourmaster, where he remained until 1904. He then went into business at Wellington, as a ships’ broker. After two years on land, he returned to the seas, as master, and went to England to bring out the Lauderdale, which was subsequently wrecked at Greymouth. He remained in that vessel for three years and was appointed Harbourmaster at' Greymouth in 1915, holding that position continuously until his retirement two years ago, owing to failing health. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. His wife predeceased him two vears ago, and he is survived by three daughters and two sons, 'the daughters are Mrs. M. Fowler , (Gore), Mrs. F. Winder (Dunedin), and Miss Jean Cox (Greymouth), and the sons. Fred (Wellington) and Alec (Greymouth). Mrs. W. Greenhill. senr., Shakespeare Street, is a ' niece, The funeral will take place nt Karoro Cemetery this afternoon.