MET FOR AN HOUR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 48, Issue 2884, 24 March 1939, Page 2

MET FOR AN HOUR

THEIR WHIRLWIND COURTSHIP NEW ZEALAND GIRL’S ROMANCE Three years ago the 20,000' tons Orient liner Otranto, from Tilbury docked in late afternoon at Auckland, New Zealand, says a London paper. Visitors came on board, among them a I'7-year-old brunette, Miss Nancy Stephens. Nancy’s eyes met those of _ the liner’s li6-year-old steward', Laurence Whitehead, and soon the couple were in lively conversation. After an hour the visitors were ordered ashore. The Otranto left at midnight.

But the young couple had exchanged addresses. They corresponded, and in August, 1937, through their letters, they became engaged. Now Nancy is a stewardess on a ship bound for England from Australia. She had taken the job to cover the 14,000 miles to her sweetheart. Left the Sea

A reporter heard the other day just how attractive Nancy looked when she boarded the Otranto. The desciption was given by Lance-Corp. Laurence Whitehead, sth. Batt. Royal Tank Corps, of Perham Down Camp, near Andower.

“I left the sea after that trip to Auckland because I found I had not love for the job,” he declared. 4< ißut the few hours’ stay in Auckland Harbour was a thrilling time. It was love at first sight between us and a whirlwind courship. “Nancy left Auckland on December 22 for Sydney, N.'S.W., to join an England-bound boat as stewardess. “I wanted her to stay in New Zealand, where she was a typist, until I got my discharge from the Army, but she couldn’t wait.

“We shan’t get married until I do get my discharge in four years’ time, but Nancy is to» say with my parents at Stock, in Essex. “She may perhaps take a job here, but my parents are as excited about her as I am. They will give her a grand welcome.”