MARINER'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21844, 5 July 1934, Page 14

MARINER'S DEATH

CAPTAIN ENOCH OLSEN LONG COASTAL SERVICE MASTER IN MANGAWAI TRADE The death occurred yesterday at the ago of 78 of Captain Enoch Olsen, who, up to his retirement three years ago, had been associated with the northern coastal trade, principally between Mangawni and Auckland, for 35 years. With the exception of a period of farming in tho Mangawai district, practically the whole of tho lato Captain Olson's working life had been spent at sea. His first voyage was from his home country, Sweden, when ho was 16 years of age, and after that he went to New York .and was on American ships for about three years. Later he saw service on German vessels and for six years, with London as his home port, he sailed on British ships. In 1880 Captain Olsen came to New Zealand as quartermaster of the ship Fernglen, which had been chartered by the New Zealand Shipping Company to bring passengers from London. The trip-occupied 96 days. Attracted by tho possibilities of the district. Captain Olsen settled in Mangawai for some years as a farmer, but eventually the sea called him again and he engaged in the coastal trade, which was to occupy him until 1931. Tho Mangawai trade was in those days far more brisk than to-day. The gumfiolds were being worked extensively and passenger traffic and wool transport were also important. Captain Olsen was the first mate of thfe original steamer Kawau, which was built as a yacht but later put in the Mangawai trade. Later he was mate of the present steamer Kawau and when tho vessel was bought by the Settlers' Company he was put in charge of her. Captain Olsen left tho Settlers' Company and ran the steamer Energy in the trade whilo the Daphne was being built for Air. A. J. Farmer, at that time owner of Kawau Island. He then took charge of that vessel in the same trade. When the Northern Company bought tho Daphne and the vessel was laid up Captain Olsen was transferred to the Kawau. Since that time ho had been in charge of various vessels for the Northern Company, but his service had been principally as master of tho Kawau. Captain Olsen. whose home was at 40 Bright Street, Eden Terrace, leaves six children:—Mrs. J. Mercer. Mrs. D. O'Shea, Mrs. .X. Valvoi and Mrs. C. Mercer, all of Auckland; Mr. A. Olsen. of Maungaturoto; Mr. W. Olsen, of Kimbolton. There are four grandchildren.