Comments for the year 2011

Email / Date

Fantastic site! I would like to add to the requests.

My Father Michael McCloy, was a 'main greaser' on the MV Hinakura from Dunedin New Zealand January 1954, until 4th March 1954, discharged at Cardiff. I would like to find a list of the crew members during this voyage. I am hoping this information will assist me in collecting any details of my Fathers previous history from the end of the first world war. My father served in the Australian Army during WW1. Thank you in advance. Frank McCloy.

Editor: I had reservations about putting this submission up because I am over receiving requests seeking crew and passengers lists but on this occasion since they share the same family name and his old man worked for NZ Shipping I will do so.

06.01.11

My Father serviced under the NZ Shipping Co Ltd for many year before during and after the war. One of the ships was "MV Empire Castle" from June 1943 to July 1944.But no record of this ship appears in the ships lists above. was it renamed? or is it missing from the lists above. Anthony Statham

Editor: Not a NZ Ship

09.01.11

Roger 'Titch' Sharplin

15.01.11

Hi guys. In my previous comment i mentioned nicks bar in Tahiti. It was in actual fact, the infamous "quinns"! I was getting my wires crossed. That was one rough dive! hey Jeff, do you know if the Roy Evans in Brisbane was on Toto in 1964? If so, you can give him my details. It would be great to get in touch with him. he would have to be in his mid 70s now. have a nice day guys! Roger 'Titch' Sharplin

Editor: I see there is only one R Evans in the Brisbane phone book

17.01.11

I have asked to contact Harry Hogg I was engaged to him I went to Scotland to marry him he got a lady pregnant in New Zealand I stowed away on 2 of your ships from London 1964 got put of in Panama had to wait for sister ship to take me back to London went to Holloway for 14 days but worked my way home to Tasmania and been wanting to know how Harry is he worked on New Zealand ships please "Patsy" Patricia Brown

Editor: I think we would all like to know the outcome, Patsy.

18.01.11

19.01.11

Editor: This is a follow up to a contribution by Tony on 9th Jan 11... I found it interesting.

23.01.11

27.01.11

Editor: The photo is up for everyone to see, ta

The photo of the Essex and crew, My father is back row 1st right with glasses E A Chapman: Chief Steward. Susan Davey

Editor: Susan has sent me photos which i have just loaded for the Waimate, Derby, Kent, Taupo and a vessel called the Potaro, anybody heard of this vessel !!!

Susan has also given me one of her dad and the crew of an unknown New Zealand Shipping vessel .. not sure what to do.. I could post it up and people could give us their response.

Hi, most mail boxes hold 5mb so sending another photo of my Dad he is front row 2nd left ( E A Chapman ) it is on a passenger ship looking at the dress, I have his discharge book he served on the Remuera from 1916 to 1922, then the Ruahine 1922 to 1925, plus many others. He sailed on the Otaio on her maiden voyage in a severe storm and the dining saloon windows were broken and the forward deck pushed down, I have photos of some of the waves, also photos of the pantry and seamen's mess from what I assume is the Otaio.

So you know what they ate on that day, plus I have some table ware with NZSC on, finger bowls, egg cups, sugar shaker and pepper grinder.

My brother also served on some of the ships as a radio Officer, but I have not found his discharge book ( he died last October )

Many other photos of ships also their uniforms which I don't know what to do with,

Sue

08.02.11

In 1968 I was living in wellington having no money to get back to England i went to N.Z. offices and asked if i could work my passage home. (it took me a while to realise the double meaning of this request) after several weeks and many visits to the offices, i was told to join the Huranui in Port Chalmers?. I borrowed the air fare from a kiwi girl and set out on my career as a mains greaser. I was just 18 had never been to sea and didn't have a clue, but the memories of that six weeks still make me smile. The donkeyman who made me paint the aft bulkhead in the morning and again that night because a junior engineer covered it in oil while we were bunkering. the cook jerry who borrowed my guiness ration, never mind at least i never starved. Last but not least board of trade sports when i was told to take the painter from the lifeboat and amused everybody by asking where he was to any body in the engine room on this trip April to June 1968 i would like to say thanks for a mil!lion memories.    Bill Green

08.02.11

Hi Jeffrey, further to the info from Tony Statham and the Empire Castle later to become the Nelson Star then the Gothic Star and then again the Patagonia Star. I was introduced to my 5 years at sea doing a H/T trip from London on her to Rotterdam, Hamburg and signed off in Liverpool. That was July 1959.

I was due to do the next voyage, deepsea to Sth. America but at 11 knots and with ammonia refrigeration, SORRY! not for me.

Called into NZS office in Waters St,. Liverpool and within a week was on the Northumberland, the first of 2 double headers with the company. Enjoyed my time with the company. Also went deep sea on the Papanui and Hurunui.

After being launched in 1942 the Empire Castle was not scrapped until 1971.   Jack Cotter

10.02.11

Have just loaded up on the photo section (Essex .. Autograph of the crew for christmas) and the (Rangitata .. Invitation to dine with the Captain) courtesy of Sue Davey

Editor: Just loaded Fred's photos up on the Rakaia, Paporoa, Dorset (his photo of himself)

Once again we send condolences to the people of NZ re the latest tragedy to hit Christchurch, our media coverage is keeping us all informed hourly, however, deepest sympathies to all. Archie Clark

06.03.11

Hi all. I was just reading a story about 'famous chef of the Rangitiki', Mick overall! what a story and what a man! after my first trip on the Middlesex, i was given the job as lift boy on the Toto. later i did the childrens dining room, and then the po,s mess. Mick was there prior to joining the Ruahine after what would seem a lifetime on his beloved Tiki! Mick, along with his galley crew always treated me well, even if i was the target of their resident practical joker, a cook named Brian, most of the time. another cook i recall was Norman. he seemed to be a bit odd, if not eccentric. the guys would stir him up and he would go cranky! but he was a really nice guy, and would always make sure i got served. the ch. stwd was John Reid, the 2nd stwd was Mick Dolan. i later did the final trip of the Remmy in the bakers shop, which gave me a taste of working in the galley. Mick overalls family are very proud of him, and justifiably so too! what chef could match that. i for one am! very glad to be able to say, yes! Mick overall, i knew him!. Roger Sharplin

04.04.11

My father, David Watson was from Glasgow and served on the Rangitata. He arrived in NZ and decided to stay - I think it is called 'jumping ship' - I believe this was in the early 1950s - I think he was an electrical engineer - it's a long time ago but I wondered if anyone remembered this or served on the Rangitata at that time. Bella Hill

06.04.11

Editor: Hiya Stuart, Anybody who takes the time to write (email) and upload photos deserves recognition.

08.05.11

Editor: October 2011, it's your duty to bring us up to speed on you and Patsy.

31.05.11

I was with the company from 1964 to 1970. I notice there is no mention of the SS Devon in your archives. John Goudie

Sorting through some family papers, I have come across a trsck chart for the SS Northumberland, showing several tracks in different colours giving mileages in pencil and some coaling details. If possible, I would like a date for this voyage and a passenger list as I do not know why the family kept this. I'd be happy to donate the chart to your museum  Nicholas Bloxam

10.06.11

My father sailed on the Rangitiki he has b+w pictures, he is alive and well and has just joined the online community at 78 years, he is on face book his name [sam betts snr] I suggest he look up Rangitiki on google. Sam Betts

17.06.11

Hi Jeff, Attached is a photo of the Huntingdon that my father EA Chapman was on, note that it is Christmas with a tree on the mast, Sue Davey

Editor: Photo loaded

My name is oggie kessell, sailed with NZS P&O GCD As engineer from 1967/ 1984. Rangitane, Northumberland, Turikina, Rakaia, Mataura most of the wild boats and ended on the straths with OCL. Am coming to Kiwi with my 17yr old twin sons for the Rugby World Cup. In Kiwi from 7th Sept for 4 weeks. I fancy sharing a beer with any of my Board of Trade aquintances who remember me. Oggie

11.08.11

The SS Turakina (11) was built 1902, came to Wellington 1914. It was torpedoed 120 miles west of Scillies en route to NZ via New York. all but 4 of those abroad were saved by the destroyer HMS Cockatrice. The ship was carrying 200 NZ troops who had finished their overseas service - all survived. Avis

15.08.11

I sailed with the nz shipping co from 1943 to 1947 i would like to hear of any one who remembers Mr Harland who gave us our next ship to join. he was a delightful character always a joy to be given the work with a smile and word of encouragement to go on our way with hope in those uncertain days many others must have similar memories i wonder how long he reigned in that post Peter Andrews

24.08.11

Hi, I was going through some old boxes of my father's possessions and found this photograph of MV Opawa taken in 1938. I would not have bothered you but for the comments on the back of the picture frame which said" Last ocean mail to New Zealand" and which I thought may be of interest to you. I have attached the photograph and a scan of the back of the photo to show the credits of the photographer. The back of the frame is messy; printing was by my father, now deceased. Yours David McLeod

27.08.11

Hi Jeffrey, Just found this great site. I sailed with the NZSCo from 1962 to 1969.I sailed on the Otaio from 62 to 64 as steward boy & galley boy, George Bayer was the chief steward then, a great guy. I also sailed on other NZSCo ships, the Whangaroa, Ranitane, Gloucester, Taupo, Rangitoto, Hauraki, Westmoreland, Haparangi and back on the Otaio for my last year as 2nd steward in 69. Great days and memories. I often wonder what happened to my old buddy Frank Hughes from the Otaio. Be glad to hear from any one who remembers me. I am now living in Brisbane and married to a Canadian lady. The GFC means I am still working. I look after a townhouse complex in Brisbane, not a lot different than being a 2nd steward really. Regards, Gerry O'Neill

My mother’s brother, George hall & brother in law Joe Cooke were officers (pursers?) with NZSC during the war years. George married a NZ gal & settled in Dunedin. Joe was lost at sea when his ship (liberty ship) went down during a pacific typhoon about 1947/48. I remember that time of great sadness vividly. I’m 71 now I must have been 6 or 7 then.  Any info welcome. I remember seeing my uncles off from London & photos of 'tiki, 'toto on top of a piano at home and their houses full of souvenirs from the Pacific, New Zealand & the Andrew sisters singing....'rum & coca-cola' on a very smart wind-up portable gramophone. I myself immigrated to Canada with wife & son in '67 & now sail my boat on Lake Ontario.  Donald George Morrisson

donimo70atgmail.com

22.09.11

Great site, enjoyed reading the yarns and pics. I sailed as Engineer on The Rangitata in 1958, three trips, and it was a great old ship. I then sailed on the Wharanui on the Mann run for 14 months. London-New Zealand-USA-Canada- West Indies etc. 1960-1962 was 3rd Engineer on the Gloucester, then Emigrated to Canada. The NZSCo and FSNCo were great companies to work for, had the best time of my life.  Hi to all who were there. Good to have this site, thanks Mr Shaw and good luck to all. Will try and send you some material shortly. Brian Mathers

26.09.11

Hi Jeffrey; was R/O with NZSC from 1959 to 1963, two trips on Rangitiki, Otaio, Rangitane, Middlesex, Dorset, and the 61/62 triple header on the Gloucester. Have been watching your site for a few years now, hoping to spot someone I sailed with. At last your last entry 26/9 did just that. Will e-mail ship's officers photo taken in Sydney 1962. Great site. Donald Ritchie

Editor: I have loaded your Gloucester officer photo. Appreciate the time taken and acknowledged your contribution as I do with everyone.

01.10.11

I have just read the story of the exploits of an engineer off the Rakaia ,1961[first trip] through to 1964. A great read for anyone who sailed with the company around that time.

PS I am not the author !! Jack Cotter

04.10.11

Aloha all. This is a re-post from 2006...

Came across this site and it brought back many fond memories. I was born and raised in the Panama Canal Zone and frequently visited aboard New Zealand Shipping Company's "Rangi" family of ships. My father worked in the Port Captain's office in Balboa. In the late`50s thru mid `60s we befriended two crewmen in particular, one was "Bill", whom I believe was a stores keeper (he had access to the ship TMs bar where he treated my sister and I to ginger beer), and the other may have been named "Harry" whom may have had similar administrative duties (non-command or engineering). Another special trat was Englis candy¦ I still have a few empty tins in my home. These gentlemen may have served aboard several different ships. If these gentlemen are still around, or if someone can help refresh my memory with correct information, I would like to hear from you. Bud Scanned posts from 2006-2011 and didn't catch any replies. If I missed yours please contact me. Mahalo

24.10.11

Sailed on the Rangitoto as a steward found it to be one of my better experiences at sea. Alan Briggs

My dad was aboard MV Sussex from Dec 1966 to Jun 1967 he is trying to find out the route he took during Jan '67 (six day war period) as feels he was near suez at the time. I have old wage slips of his but cant seem to find much data on line any help greatly appreciated, thanks Simon Green

Information on vessel "Rakaia" No.1: Built by J.Bulmer & Co in 1873, Wrecked 1918. Rakaia was captured in South Africa in 1900 during the Boer War:
1st: Was "Rakaia" captured by the Boers or by the English?
2nd: Was it captured at sea or in a harbour?
3rd: What was the exact position of the seizure?

Thank you in advance for your trouble in satisfying my wish.
Sincerely yours
Günther E. Ahring

28.10.11

Have just found this web site superb takes me back years I joined mv Hurunui in 1967 and went onto mv Wharanui later and stayed on board for about fifteen month tramping round the pacific would love to hear from anyone who remembers these two ships. Jeff Cordwell

31.10.11

I am trying to find out some information about my father's involvement with convoys in the 2nd World War. He worked with the NZSCo on passenger ships after the war and I think was working with them during the War. His name was Claude L Lambe (AKA Minty) and he was a Chief Radio Officer. Miss E.D.Lambe

01.11.11

There was a First Radio Officer C L Lambe On voyage 83 RMS Rangitiki. This voyage terminated in London about the 18 December 1960. It was my first 1/2 trip as 4th Electrical Engineer Regards Noel Martin

Good Morning I was a Ch Freezer on the Paporoa and Papanui also Cumberland I was on the Pipiriki heading for the Panama canal when the Cuban missile crisis and we were also buzzed by American vessels and aircraft. At the time I learned from my wife that I had been called up for Army duty with Royal Engineers in which I did my National Service. Lucky escape I wonder! If any of the engineers in the Pipiriki are on your website it would be good to hear from them. Best Wishes Jeff Hughes

15.11.11

Thanks for the reply Jeff. I often wondered what and where is Gerry Dargle ex Ch Engineer of a few ships in the fleet. At that time we were good pals. He also was from that wonderful city Liverpool do you think some one might have information on him? I had heard that he joined LLoyds and went to Las Palmas?? If you can help that would be good.. Sorry to be a bit unsure of how to get back on to the web site we first contacted on . Can you tell me again? I didn't read all the communications. I would like to. Best Regards Jeff Hughes

16.11.11

Hello again Jeff I managed to get back on track and found the website again. Sorry for being a bit slow as I am not a buff on the computer. Its just great to read some of the e-mails. Brings back some good memories. B/R Jeff Hughes

18.11.11

As I have mentioned in previous posts I joined NZSCo on the Otaio as a Navigating Officer Cadet in May 1969. I left the Merchant Navy in 1976 to pursue a career in HM Customs & Excise (HMC&E). Two fellow Otaio cadets who left to join HMC&E were the twin brothers Sean and Chris Barton. Those of you who knew them will be saddened to learn that Chris died suddenly last week (his brother Sean died about 6 years ago). Chris maintained his love of the sea rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve and being awarded the Queens Volunteer Reserve Medal. I have very fond memories of both of them. Regards to all. Gary

24.11.11

Trying to get in touch with an old Shipmate, Ian Hendry Kerr who sailed with me on the Huntingdon from Aug '70 to Feb '71 on the Manz run. I haven't seen him since I was bestman at his wedding in '75. He went off to join the fire service in Scotland then. Peter Bradshaw

25.11.11

I sailed on the Rangitata June till October 1960..I will always remember the song. Sung by the Ships Queers on board about a street in Auckland in the Pig and Whistle of an evening..... How many know it???

Girls of Queen Street.
Good girls are we.
We take a pride in our virginity.
We take all precautions, against all Abortions
Cos we are the Queen Street Girls.
Tra la la la la la la la la
When we go down to the beach for a swim,
Everyone remarks at the size of our Quims.
They shout and the hollar,its like a Horses Collar
But we are the Queen street girls
Tra la la la la la la la la.
Our head waiters a silly willy fool
hes only got a teeny weeny tool.
Its all right for key holes and little girlies pee holes
but not for us Queen Street Girl !!!!

Peter McNally

28.11.11

I came over from wellington NZ to Southampton ENG in July 1962 on the R.M.S. Rangitane i still have my passenger list. I'am just inquiring to see if the Rangitane that i came over on is the one that was broken up in 1976. Jocelyn l. Davis nee Tidy

19.12.11