LOVERS OF SHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 193, 15 August 1931, Page 29

LOVERS OF SHIPS.

Society Gives Chance for Seafarers’ Reunions. SAILING DAYS RECALLED.

(By

W. H. R. DALE.)

Through the courtesy of the president, Mr E. B. Bell, I am able to give readers of the “ Star ” an idea of the fine work that is being accomplished by the Shiplovers’ Society of Victoria in drawing all lovers of ships into a band of good fellowship. Many of the deep water seamen who sailed in the stately clippers of a bygone day are still “ on deck” and the society has filled a longfelt need in creating an opportunity for seafaring men to meet and yarn about old times, to renew old friendships and to make new ones. In one instance two old friends met after a lapse of fortythree years and the reunion was a very happy one. When the suggestion to form a society was made the proposal was taken up very enthusiastically and the inaugural dinner in the banqueting hall at the Victoria Coffee Palace, Melbourne, on July 30, 1930, was a great success. Within a few months oyer 200 members had enrolled, including fort}* - master mariners, a grand company of fine fellows, all eager to sing the old-time chanties again and to talk of thrilling experiences in the glorious days of sail. One member first visited Melbourne in 1853 and he and his wife never miss a “ muster.” Two others, eighty-five years of age, are both hale and hearty and two lady members, who spent many years at sea, join in singing the chanties. The meetings are held every month and are real “ get together ” gatherings —quite informal, but very enthusiastic. The principal theme is “ The Sea in Song and Story ” and it is supplemented by the exhibition of pictures, photo albums of ships, models and other treasured souvenirs. The number of paintings and photos held by members is estimated to be about 15,000. There are some fine speakers among the members and the talks have been very interesting. The following items, culled at random, will give an idea of the subjects dealt with. Variety of Subjects. The sensational yacht race from Port Phillip Heads to Launceston, in 1907, by G. R. Leggett, B.A. The beautiful silver cup trophy was on exhibition. Mr Leggett is the son of a veteran sailorman and holds a master’s ticket. An account of the yacht Oimara’s trip to Sydney by Captain Mac Cormack, with many humorous anecdotes. To the Antarctic in the “ Morning,” by Captain G. S. Doorly, with his personal recollections of Captain Scott, Shackleton, Evans and Dr Wilson. A story of the clipper Salamis and reminiscences of other celebrated clippers by Captain W. Phillip. At one of the quarterly dinners a paper on the famous clipper Lightning was read by Mr D. M. Little. The vessel’s bell was lent by Mr Holden, Collector of Customs at Geelong, and was used by Mr E. B. Bell, the president, to call members to order. New Zealanders will be interested to learn that Professor Falla is an enthusiastic shipmate and before the Discovery left for the Antarctic he paid a visit to the society. The Shiplovers decided to have an outing on Port Phillip Bay on February 14 and the famous vessel Edina was engaged for the trip. Over 100 members were present, among whom were mariners who had been to sea fifty and sixty years ago. A Picturesque Trip. On casting off Captain T. MacAdie led off with the chanty “ We’re Bound to Rio ” and then he hoisted the society’s flag. When past the Gellibrand lightship the Edina’s captain handed the vessel over to the president and, as there were several past and present skippers on board, a request was made that they should take a turn at the wheel. This compliment was greatly appreciated, and so they steered the vessel to Portarlington and back. During the trip the vice-president (Mr C. Dickson Gregory) gave some very interesting particulars of the famous old ship, her transport work in the Crimean War and her subsequent mercantile career, which included several fast passages to New Zealand in the 'sixties with diggers for our southern goldfields. Built in 1854 by Barclay, Curie and Co., it is claimed that she is the oldest screw steamer in the world still in commission and carrying passengers. Amongst the party was Captain W. C. Forbes (retired), who had commanded the vessel for forty years. Chanty followed chanty and yarn followed yarn, and everyone declared that it was the best outing for many a day. List of Officials. The following is a list of the officebearers for 1931-32: Patron, Mr M. M. Brodie; president, Mr E. B. Bell; vice-presidents, Messrs C. Dickson Gregory and J. W. Barr; committee, Captains Hartley Watson, T. MacAdie, D. Crombie, G. S. Doorly and A. H. Thorpe (late of Lyttelton), Commander G. F. Langford (R.A. Navy), Messrs J. Leask (constructor to the Australian Navy), F. J. Bennell (of yacht Oimara), G. R. Leggett, A. C. Green (marine artist), C. Stringer and E. Gutteridge; treasurer, Mr D. M. Little; welfare secretary and Press representative, Mr G. H. Johnston; honorary secretary, Mr R. V. Whitehead.

Latest reports from Melbourne state that the society continues to progress in a manner far beyond its expectations. Ths average attendance at monthly musters is over 100 and is steadily increasing. The talks sparkle with humour, the fun never flags and the chanty singing is well worth hearing. Two recent performances have been broadcast by 3LO, Melbourne and appreciative letters have been received.

The interest taken in anything related to the old sailing ships is wonderful and people write from all parts of the world—even as far north as Mariehamn, on the Baltic—asking for information about the society. A similar society has been formed recently at Hobart and efforts are being made to form one at Adelaide. Could not one be formed, also, in New Zealand?