SIXTY YEARS AT SEA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3774, 13 July 1926, Page 63

SIXTY YEARS AT SEA.

AUCKLAND, July 9. After a career on the sea which extended oven a period of more than 60 years, death to-day removed one of the most popular and efficient sea captains who has graced the seas, in Captain Charles Fleming. Born in Kingstown, Ireland, in January, 1859, Captain Fleming died after a life that has left behind many friends made during his long association with people of all countries. At an early age he was apprenticed to the sea, being first engaged on sailing vessels. Attention to detail and enthusiasm in his work saw him advance rapidly in his chosen career. In November, 1984. he came to New Zealand as chief officer of the Union Company's Tekapo. He took up his residence in Dunedin, and was engaged in the Dunedin-Wellington-West Coaat run. He was also engaged on the intercolonial run, and viaited Calcutta and other well-known seaports. In 1889 Captain Fleming was transferred to the Mararoa as chief officer, and in May of that year was appointed master of the Taupo His merits were recognised by the company, which gave him in succession, command of the following vessels: -Tavinui, Ovalau, Fukaki, Omapere, Hauroto, Flora. Rotorua, Tarawera, Whakatipu, and Wanaka It was a proud boast of the deceased that with all the vessels he commanded he never bad an accident. On June 9, 1899, Captain Fleming resigned from the service of the company. The Government in that year appointed him to the position of Superintendent of Mercantile Marine at Dunedin. He held this position until 1905, when he was transferred in a similar capacity to He retired about five years ago, whila he was Superintendent of Marine. Decjased was known as a man who was noted for his absolute fairness, both to seamen, the Seamen’s Union, and the shipping companies. Hift wife died about 10 years ago. He leaves a eon (Mr C. L. Fleming) and a daughter (Mis* Nora Fleming).

A lively meeting of ratepayers of Marshlands Riding, Wumairi County, on July 9 heard protests against the recent Government valuations, which were held to be excessive, and resolved—“ That this meeting is strongly of opinion that tha objectors to vkluations should be allowed a representative at the Assessment Court, and that this should apply to the whole of New Zealand.' As & result of the ballot taken recently by the Lyttelton waterside workers on the question of resuming work on Saturday afternoons, the men will continue to cease work at noon on Saturday. Though the figures of the ballot hava not been officially disclosed, it is said that a much larger perceutage voted this time in favour of reverting to the old practice of working on Saturday afternoons than on the previous oocaaion, when the voting was 160 to 81.