USSCO Under Way sept 77

uilon comDilnq SEPTEMBER 1977

! Chiet Olticer Chris Barradale ol \"Union Rotoiti\" de'monstrates the ship's wheel -a far cry from the large wheels ot older ships. The steering on \"Union Rotoiti\" and het sisfer shrp, \"Union Rotorua\", is all- electric and very sensifive. Mr Bar- radale was tormerly Chiet Ofticer on undsr \"Union Rotorua.\" Photo by courtesy ol the \"Rotorua Daily Post' uau SEPTEMBER 1977 Produced and ediied by the Personnel Deparlmenl, Union Sleam Ship Company ol N.Z. Ltd., llYellingion COVER PICTURES Front: Miss Sheryl Dixon, who has recently been appointed Officer in Charge of Union Travel's Levln office. Sheryl ioined the company in February, 1975, Back: \"Union Lyttelton\" steaming into her namesake port She is a regular caller on the Dunedin-Lyttel- ton-W el I i ngton-Mel bourne ru n.

ffiti *' l .:a:.,.::.' . .q..,1..a;::,tt:l il .. - ,llgtilr,rl :,.'.-}; r,1':1r,, FROTII THE GENERAT II'IANAGER An article appeared in the New Zealand press early in August: Union Company Completes $100m Revolution While New Zealanders have been preoccupied with the reshaping ol the internal transport system, described in Parliament this week as lhe biggest change in almost 40 years, a quiet revolution has been under way around the coasis. The Union Company has now completed a $100m re-equipment programme which has seen the purchase ol lour new roll on-roll olf ships, the chartering of two more and the virtual disappearance of the old-fashioned cargo ship. These paragraphs summarise very well the quiet lransition that has occurred in the Company's trans-Tasman trade, We are all well aware of the trauma that has surrounded the introduction of the cellular container ships at New Zealand portrs and the contro- versy over the road-rail 40-mile limit. lt has been a pleasing contrast to see the smooth- ness and elliciency with which new ships and methods have been introduced into the TI'IARKING A trans-Tasman trade, resulling in complete conversion to an all-unitised operation ovel the Iast lew years. This is a great credit to the detailed planning urork and ellort put into the operation by all of lhose involved in this major development. I,IAIDEN CAtt the current trans-Tasman modernisation programme. The trade is now served by six The successful entry into service of \"Union Rotoiti\" has marked the completion ot roll on ships and two or three bulk carriers and served on a basis of complete elfioiency and regula.ity of schedule. Of the roll on ships, lour arc under one year old and only one pre-dates 1976-truly a major revolution of which we can all be proud. The first visit to the Port of Tauranga of the new Company vessel \"Union Rotoiti\" was marked by a luncheon and presentation arranged by the Bay of Plenty The task ahead of us is to provide cargoes to utilise these ships to their proper Harbour Board. Pictured here are, from left, the Board's Deputy Chairman, Mr capacity and to devise and maintain optimum elliciency in cargo handling and movement. J.W. Syme; Captain J. D. Cleaver; and Captain A. F. Mclntyre, Master of the The equipment we have is lirst class, the terminals have been modernised or will shortly all have completed the programme o, updating and we look to continualion and expan. Company's freighter \"Union Auckland\". The aerial photograph was presented by sion of a very elfective operation. the Board to the Master of the new ship. (Photo by courtesy of \"Bay of Plenty Times\") Attention is now being turned to the provision ol the best possible equipment and facilities in the remaining areas of the Company's trading and I know I can look to you all for a continuing maximum contribution to ensure that the Company thrives in the years ahead. My very best wishes to you. b^^-; ry

..UNION : I TUIETBOURNE\" i BECOTUIES A IRAIN FERRY ):. :, ::,;:))),.:: :',.,,,,,.,::;at. d/*l&rg.P./l\" ..:V,ry{,. \"8 ;* v-* r r \"Union Melbourne\" is not a rail lerry The DAs are a familiar sight on North the harbour and places them on the top but, over the next twelve to eighteen lsland lines and, until the arrival of the DX deck of \"Union Melbourne\" at the Sea- months, she will carry 35 locomotives to, class some four years ago, were the most cargo Terminal. and from Adelaide. powerful locomotives in the country, used in main line passenger and goods haulage. At Port Adelaide, the vessel berths at The shipments are part of a 13 million the new Overseas Container Terminal and dollar programme for the complete re- It is uncommon to see cargo \"lifted\" on discharge is accomplished with the con- condititioning of 35 DA class diesel' and off a roll on-roll off vessel, but this is tainer crane. The initial shipment of loco- electric locomotives. New Zealand Rail- the method used. The locomotives are motives achieved a \"first\" in being the ways have contracted with Clyde Engin- hauled on rail to Glasgow Wharf, Welling- first heavy lifts handled by this crane. eering Ltd, Adelaide, for the rebuilding, ton, where they are lifted off their bogies including new motors to increase horse- and placed on wooden cradles. Next, the When prepared for handling, each loco- power and new cabs. floating crane \"Hikitea\" takes them across motive measures 13.106 metres in length,

2.718 metres in width and 3.680 metres in height. All up weight is 49 tonnes. The first three units arrived in Adelaide ln May and our photographs, taken by Doug Voss of Union Bulkships, show dis- charge in progress. lt is expected that the return shipment of reconditioned loco- motives will commence in October this year, continuing until December, 1978. HISTORIC RETIC One of the historic items from the Company's collection is this Perfin machine, apparently now the only one of its kind in this part of the world. The highly decorated machine was in use in the early 1900s as a postage stamp perforator and POSTAGE IMPRINT BY COURIESY OF it created a great deal of interest when it was loaned to the THE NEW ZEALAND POST OFFTCE AND EXCLUSIVE Fhilatelists' Association for their Pan Pacific Exhibition held TO PANPEX'Z CENTIFICATES, in Christchurch from March 5-12, 1577. THIS CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN AWARDED TO In expressing thanks lo the company for its gesture, the organising committee wrote that the Perfin machine proved to llvtion h, be one of the most popular items of New Zealand's philatelic frffint;frip past on display. ln particular, Australian and American visitors BY THE ORGANISING COMIVlITTEE showed great interest when the machine was shown at a IN BECOGNITION OF SERVICES RENDERED BEFORE, DURING, ANO AFTER \"Cinderella\" evening during the exhibition. Many had seen the THE PAN PACIFIC PHILATELIC EXHIBITION end result on envelopes and documents, but few had actually srh - 12th MARCH 1977. seen a machine. The committee asked that, if the company even decided to dispose of this rarity, it gave consideration to donating the Perfin to the Philatelic Foundation Christchurch lnc., an organisation established to manage a headquarters building WM which incorporates a philatelic library. (l ,.,o* .E.RETARY The company received a special certificate, reproduced on this page, from the organisers in recognition of its interest and participation in the exhibition.

August, 1977 Misc V. M. Gunn to Commercial Officer, Head Office, Wellington; formerly Assistant to Pacific lslands and Coastal Trades Manager, Head Office, (Auckland). Mr M. J. Hunt to Branch Manager, New Plymoulh; formerly Assistanl Manager, Wel- lington. Captain D. E. Norman to Operations Manager, N.Z. Offshore Servioes Ltd, based at New Plymouth; formerly Oil Supply Services Manager. September, 1977 Mr B. R. Eden to lndustrial Officer, Head Office; formerly Clerical Assistant, Head Office Accounts. ..UNION Mr C. M. K. Morrison Mr R. J. Seamer Miss V. M. Gunn TRANS. !::,,;1.:i: hr'rr;l IASTUIAN,, DEPARIS Capt. D. E. Norman D. E. Norman Mr M. J. Hunt Mr M. J. Hunt Capt. Mr B. R. Eden July, 1977 Mr D. G. Carpenler to Clerical Assistant, General Traffic, Head Oftice; lormerly at Mount Maunganui. Miss S. D. Dixon to Officer-in-Charge, Union Travel, Levin. illr T. Drayton to Assistant Tours Manager, Head Office Travel, Auckland; formerly Travel Manager, Levin. Mr P. J. Hampton to Freight Sales Represenlative, Auckland; formerly Equipment Ofiicer, Wellington. \"Union Trans-Tasman\", one of three Camat class ships which have been on charter Mr C. M. K. Morrison to Assistant Manager, Wellington; formerly lndustrial Officer, to the Company for some five years, was re-delivered to her owners in July. Head Office. Chartered from Maritime Carriers N.Z. Ltd., these 5,300 tonne ships have become Mr R. J. Seamer to Property Division Officer, Head Oftice; formerly Manager, Bluff. familiar sights on our trans-Tasman and coastal services. The remaining two sisters wlll Mr B. G. Truman io Assistant Engineer Superintendent, Fleet Department, Head Office. continue in our services in the meantime.

..KAREPO\" IO IHE s0r0m0Ns Late In May, a request tar recelved no lifting wires at Ringgi Cove for load- lrom the Fletcher Tlmber Company ol lng the logs. Arrangements were qulckly Auckland for a vessel to load peeler loge put ln hand to have 15 wires sent up |rom at one or two poris in the Solomon lslandt the Company's gear store at Auckland. At lor Greymouth. Last year \"Karepo\" loaded about the same time, the vessel's donkey logs at Viru and Graciosa Bay ln the Solo- boiler developed a fault, but it was back mons atter taking a cargo ol prefabri- to normal the next day. cated houses to Darwin. On August 18 bits and pieces were still on the way from Auckland by four differ- Fletchers requested we try and get them a cargo to some destination in the general ent forwarders. A package of engine direction of the Solomon lslands. spares went missing but this was traced to a bus which was then on its way back It was originally gxpected the logs to Auckland. Last year, the Allardyce Lumber Com- lng the latter part of World War ll when pany acted as our agents at Viru and he was serving with the Royal New Zea- would be ready at the end of July, so The vessel required full bunkers, ap' €fforts were made by our sales staff at proximately 220 tonnes of automotive gas Graciosa and did so again at Graciosa, land Navy. There must be a number of Auckland, Tauranga and Lyttelton to see oil, all of which had to be supplied by However, Lever's (the \"Lifebuoy\" people) other Company personnel familiar tryith lf there was any cargo for such places as tank wagons. B.P. New Zealand Ltd., in Pacific Timbers Ltd acted at Ringgi Cove. parts of the Solomons, the scene of much Darwln, New Guinea or the Solomons. their usual co-'operative way, were able to activity during the Pacific War. organise this task without any delay to Communications are dillicult and lt was Very few people would have heard ol \"Karepo\" had been on survey but was the vessel. eight days before we knew our cable had brought back into service to assist been received at Ringgi Cove. Last year either of the two ports \"Karepo\" is off to, \"Karetu\" ln the coal trade from Westport Meanwhile, Fletchers confirmed the ves- the vessel had to clear Customs and so but it may be of interest to know that the to Portland prior to her charter. The coal sel would load at Ringgi Cove on Kolom- on at Gizo and our original advice was Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana de etocks at the Portland Cement Works were bangara lsland and Graciosa Bay in the the same procedure would be required Neyra, usually referred to as Mendana, soon satlsractory, but the logs in the Santa Cruz group. There was no north- this year. Shortly before \"Karepo\" de- arrived at Graciosa Bay in September, Solomons were slow in being made ready. bound cargo of any consequence, but we parted from Whangarei, Levers advised 1595-many years before Abel Tasman The reaeon tor this was mainly the result received an irate call from a company in that all formalities could be completed at discovered New Zealand. of hoavy ralns preventing the movement Auckland complaining that we had not Ringgi Cove which is only about 18 miles tried to get cargo. Ron Holt had, in fact, from Gizo. The logs from the Solomons are im- ol the loga lrom the bush to the sea. tried to contact the complainant, but a ported by Fletchers and used in the manu- Llttlo actual notlce was given to any- communication breakdown was traced to The Solomons is a distant and difficult facture of plywood at their factory near one when arrangements were finally set in the exporter's office. The large amount of area for us to operate in in comparison Greymouth. The main concern of Mr. A. motlon for the voyage to commence - cargo he wanted to ship to Honiara, the with other trades and we were lorlunate McGregor, Fletcher's Manager at Grey- only about one week. Departure from capital of the British Solomon lslands Pro- that Captain John Evans could be madE mouth, was that the logs may have been Whangarel was orlglnally set for the even- tectorate, was a whole three cubic available to take \"Karepo\" on her second in the water some time before \"Karepo\" ing of August 17, but a shortage of crew metres. Another exporter had ten cubic voyage to the area. Some of his com- arrived to start loading. He reckons the resulted ln tho vessel sailing on August metres. There was also a tentative en- ments on the first voyage appeared ln teredo worms in the Solomons can bore 23. quiry for up to 350 tonnes of cement \"Under Way\", September, 1976. into the kauri logs quicker than a Black from Auckland to Honiara, but the extra and Decker drill. However, this delayed sailing may have costs in the vessel sailing to Auckland Allan Newton, our Financial Accountant, been a blessing in disguise as it was not and loading for Honiara was going to be was engaged in pilotage for U.S. vessels (Note.: Ringgi Cove has an alternative discovered until August 17 that there were expensive. ln and around Kolombangara lsland dur- spelling - Ringi Cove.)

-- --- -- - :] rtunoae -- rr- rr aAwAil -itr HONG XONG 7-{gr LoS O iiier-es \"\"\"-f;j\" sArse I a-, ' Mr M. Fenn, Chief Delivery Clerk, Apia, on June 30,1977. ^o*rnno/ )ot*, Mr J. C, Angus, Head Storeman, Auckland, on July S, 1927. Mr R, R. Bennett, Manager, Capital Centre, Union Travel, Sydney, on July 15, 'lg7l. Mr H. Yates, Branch Manager, New Plymouth, on July 91, 1977. Mr P. J. o'shea, Assistant Local Provedore superintendent, Head office, on July 31, 1977. Mrs M. E. M. Marsh, Typist-Clerk, Wellington, on August 91, 1977. sotulE Mrs M. H. Benefield, Shorthand-Typist, Evans Bay Stores, on August 01, 1971. INPRESSIONS OF RAROIONGA Christchurch on May 30, 1936, then trans- ferred five years later to his birthplace of Greymouth where he served for the Roger Miller, Travel Manager, Hamilton, reports next twenty-three years apart from a break for War Service from 1941 to 1945. He on a recent visit then transferred in 1962 to Gisborne where he was later appointed Branch Manager. My original impressions of Rarotonga beds, a separate bath and shower and When Gisborne office closed on February were completely mixed and, to a certain 28,1973, Harry took up the post of Branch vanity unit, a large wardrobe, a Radio 1CZ extent, apprehensive, having only formed connection and continuous in-house piped Manager, New Plymouth, and now on his visions from travel promotions and typical music, Each of the units opens with a retirement Harry and Marjorie Yates have tourist publicity. But several facts became ranch-slider door to a private sundeck- retired to live in Gisborne. obvious on arrival. The first was the friend- patio. liness of the people after walking off the a Air New Zealand DC8 at 9.00 p.m. to a The units comfortably sleep two or cool temperate breeze and welcome from three and there are lour blocks bf self- Miss D. F. Payne retired from Associ- .an enthusiastic crowd of a mixed group contained units, each with a kitchen- ated Steamships Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, on of Cook lslanders and Europeans. washhouse at the end. At the end of each July 31, 1977. Miss Payne was for many block are four suites (2-bedroomed) which years Secretary to our Melbournp Man- The Rarotongan Hotel had accepted its would be ideal for a family of five. All ager, Manager for Australia and Resident first guests only some live days before. lt accommodation is linked with the main Director. She transferred to Associated is situated on the $outhern part of Raro- reception-bar-dining room block by cov. Steamships Pty. Ltd. following Mr J. E. tonga, on the most desirable beach pro- ered in concrete paths. Worrall's retirement in 1974. tected from the surf by a reef. Bathing is in shallqw warm protected water, but care The public facilities include a large July 31, 1977, saw the retirement of must be taken of the sharp coral rocks in conference room, a hairdresser (the only Man is destined to remain lor a Harry Yates. At the time he was Branch the water. Sandshoes or alternative foot- one on the lsland), a shop (gifts and very long time the lightest, mosl Manager of the Company Office in New wear is recommended. duty free), a tour desk, an a la carte reliable, most cheaply serviced and Plymouth, a post he had taken up in 1973 restaurant which operates from 6.80 p.m. most versalile compuling device after having been the Company's last The Hotel is well planned with nine evenings, two large bars and a coffee made in large numbers by unskilled Branch Manager in Gisborne. blocks of 20 units, two-storied with front shop adjacent to a fresh water swimming labour. and rear accesses. Each room is well pool. The coffee shop will cater for the Harry originally joined the Company in appointed with double and single divan tourist on a budget and young families,

Cook lsland Airways operate daily hall hour sightseeing flights around the island for $10.00 and I would recommend such a llight as it does give a greater appreci- ation of the size of the island and the tropical bush that takes up the interior, The island of Aitutaki, one hour's llying time away by a Cook lsland Airways Brit- ton Norman lsland 8-seater flight, should be included on an itinerary. This is a low lying island in a sheltered lagoon. Many of the other islands in the Cooks can be reached by special flights and a reguiar cargo ship trades through the Group carrying deck passengers. good supply of radios, cameras, watches Many people ask what is there to do and similar goods, but the supply can and the short answer is: very little. The vary. Prices are all in N.Z. dollars and pace is slow and can be thoroughly re- are comparable with Fiji. There is no bar- commended as a holiday destination for tering. The people are friendly and help- a person who wishes to unwind and relax. ful and there is definitely no tipping. There are a number of walking tracks and Union Citco operate an escorted walking Our eight-day Sun-N-Laze programme is tour to the centre of the island. ideal lor the average person and the choice of the Rarotongan Hotel is well Shopping is relaxed with none of the worth the additional few dollars a day. hasseling that goes on elsewhere. There We can confidently promote this as an are five or six duty free shops with a ideal holiday destination. whlle the restaurant will provide a full a hired at $5.00 a day and rental cars are la cartE menu with entertainment. The available. hotel leatures an lsland Night entertain- The distance around the island can ment overy three nights. easily be driven in one hour and, as Raro- There la a courtesy coach, operated on tonga is mountainous in the interior, there demartd by th€ Rarotongan Hotel, to and are few inland tracks. from Avarua over the tar-sealed, but pot- holed road. The Journey takes about 15 Sightseeing on the island is run al ( mlnutes. The coach also connects with all present by Tipani Tours who run a threE llights. hour round-island tour. Union Citco are I at present applying for a licence to oper- There ls no public transport at present ate our own tours. There are horse drawn whlch runs regularly, therefore guests to buggy rides and these are well worth some extent are very much reliant on taking. Outrigger canoes can be hired sightseeing tours or the courtesy coach. next to the hotel and provide a lot of fun For those able, a motor cycle can be on the quiet lagoon.

Mr E. Hal!, Tally Clerk, Seacargo Ter- minal, Melbourne; at Melbourne on July 15, 1977. Mr R. B. Nankivell, former Traffic Man. bourne; at Melbourne on July 18, 1977. IHE SINGTE WHIP ager, Union-Bulkships Pty. Ltd., Mel- Mrs C. E. Angwin, retired Accounts Clerk, Wellington; at Wellington on July 5,'1977. Itlr G. P. Fudge, retired Chief Steward, Sea Staff; at Wellington on August 2, A Tale Of Applied Seamanship Captain W. B. Benston, Australian Sea '1977. Staff; in Australia on JulY 5, 1977. Mr J. M. Frengley, Superannuitant, for- The single whip is the oimplest form ol purchase consisting ol a rope rovc Captain D. M. Keith, retired Sea Staff; merly Assistant Accountant, Christchurch; through a sangle sheave fixed block. lts mechanical advantage b nll-neglectlng ln Australia on July 6, '1977. at Christchurch on August 6,1977. friction, a 50lb pull will raise an equal weight All of which may explain the lollowing letler. Dear Sir, The bulwark down the port side has My son, Jack Brown, was due to report to you next Monday on completion of been built up for use in oyster fishing and his leave. I regret to advise that he suffered multiple injuries last Saturday and will there is a diesel engine, but the hull still be unable to report for some time to come. looks exactly the same as that 1937 photo- graph. The circumstances were that I had demolished an old chimney on our house and had all the bricks stacked neatly on the roof ready for Jack to assist me by I am not sure, but I believe there is a Lockheed Electra at the Museum of Trans- passing them from hand to hand down a ladder. Jack expressed his opinion that port and Technology in Auckland. lf so, this was a labour intensive operation and offered to rig a contrivance known as a would it be one of these in the article as single whip which I understand is sometimes used at sea to save hard work. Under well? his able direction, albeit with some difficulty in the interpretation of his nautical Your sincerely expressions, we finally suspended a block and passed a rope through it. Jack tied Dear Sir, V, J. HOLLOWAY on an old barrel and hove it up to the roof where I filled it with brlcks' Electrician, M.V. \"NgaPara\" \"Rightl\" said Jack as he braced himself to take the strain. \"Push it off!\" There was something familiar about a photograph on page 32 of \"Under Way\" Your question will be answered in the Unfortunately, not having had the benefit of a seafaring training, I had inadvert' in the \"Recollections\" article on Union next lssue. Editor ently overloaded the barrel which was thus heavier than Jack. The barrel went Airways Electras. down and Jack went up, both loads meeting half way with resultant severe injuries to Jack's shins and knee caps. Jack then continued up and jambed his fingers in The \"Ngapara\" was in Lyttelton lasl Tuesday (August 30) when the June issue the sheave. Meanwhile the barrel continued down with considerable velocity and, arrived and, on looking through it, I wae on making impact, the bottom fell out with all the bricks. surprised to see the name of the tug tow- The barrel was now lighter than Jack so he came down whilst the barrel went lng the barge-\"Kumea\". A quick look at up, Again a collision occurred midway and Jack fractured his jaw and on reaching the fishing boats tied up in the next berth the ground he broke both ankles. Jack was now sitting on a pile of bricks and in and there lt was; \"Kumea\". Different rather acute pain from injuries received, ln a moment of mental abberation he wheelhouse, different funnel and amid- rather foolishly let go the rope, whereupon the barrel descended on his head and ships mast; but same hull and certainly fractured his skull. the same name and registered in Auck- land. There are two questions I want to ask you:- (a) Would your Company be interested in purchasing a secondhand single whip? Bill Le Warne, Chief Engineer on the (b) When Jack was first employed by you he signed a Document called an lnden- Lyttelton dredge \"Tewhaka\" confirmed ture. Does this mean he gets a new set of false teeth at your expense? 'that it would be the same one. He told me Yours faithfullY, that it was built in 1923 and had been the W. Brown tug at Greymouth previously, The river water being fresh helped to preserve it.

ment Station, which also plays an import- At the end of the process the reclaimed ant part after the arrival of the tankers. condensate is transferred by road tanker to Paritutu for reshipment back to Mars- After berthing, the tankers discharge den Point. their ballast water, usually in the vicinity of 7,000 tonnes, to Moturoa for process- The cleansed water is then discharged lng. into the nearby Hongi Hongi stream. The ballast water received by the treat- With the tanker ready for loading, the ment station is allowed to settle, following condensate is gravity fed to the berths at which any condensate is skimmed off to the Newton King wharf where it is pumped the slop oil tank where it is heated to aboard through two 254 mm (10 inch) further reduce the water content. pipes. Lett: connecting the 10\" pipeline on board the \"Athelviscount\" in preparation tor de- i H ballasting. * $ Shell BP and Todd emPloYee Gail Ia Simpson hands over documentation, in' cluding the Bill ol Lading and Certiticate.s ot Quantity and Quality, to the First Mate ..ATHEIVISCOUJ{I\" on the \"Athelviscount\", Paul Searell. CARRIES Below.: \"Athelviscount\" CaPtaln Max Deane signs the Bill ot Lading to be handed back to Shell BP and Todd betore leaving tor Marsden Point. HUNDREDIH LOAD Below right: Tank Farm Supervisor Bon Saunders ready to press the electtic switch that automatically opens the valves On August 3 the vessel \"Athelviscount\" to the Paritutu Tank Farm through a which tet the condensate flow trom Pari' recorded an important milestone. She be- 152 mm (six inch) cross country pipeline lutu to the tanker, came the 100th tanker to be loaded with where it is stored in five large tanks, each condensate produced by the Kapuni pro- with a capacity of just under 10,000 duction station. On this occasion the tonnes, vossel carried 19,078 tonnes of conden- Paritutu Tank Farm supervisor Ron sato to the Marsden Point refinery. Saunders and tris team start their prepara- tions for loading several days before the Two vessels, the \"Erne\" and the \"Athel- arrival of a tanker as, because of its wax viscount\", regularly visit the Port of Tara- content, the condensate has to be heated naki to transhlp the crude oil to Marsden to a suitable pour point, approximately Point and lt has been nearly seven years 25\"C (80'F). since the \"Britlsh Hastula\" loaded 17,850 tonnes in the first ever shipment. This is carried out by PumPing hot water through pipes inside the storage tanks and, during the process, the oil is Shipments started erratically and built up in frequency. lt is expected that soon mixed to ensure that samples taken for the Kapuni production station will have testing are uniform. At the same time, passed the 2,000,000 tonne mark. most of the water in the mixture drops to the bottom of the tanks for subsequent The condensate is pumped from Kapuni draining off to the Moturoa Water Treat-

I WESIPORI OFTICE The People And The Place rl'< Westport has always been an interest' the Shipping Accounting side, it takes a 6r':'t& ing place, probably due to the original lot of understanding. 'ffi isolation of the West Coast where tales bv and legends grew up around the many Dealing with most of the counter duties * tg\" colourful characters that have peopled its and enquiries, with his usual aplomb, is \\*l I history. The Union Company has had an John Currie. He also gets into Accounting office there since the late 1800s and it is and airport duties for he is well qualified probably true that anyone on transfer to for aircraft despatch. He also has a work- the district started out disliking the place ing knowledge of I.A.T.A. and has now before their attitude changed to a genuine been trained to take over more of this affection for the area. The present West- work. port office is a mixture of the separate Cheryl chases along the two teleprint- Shipping and Travel divisions which, in true West Coast style, becomes a combin- ers linked with the N.A.C. Carina reser- ation of Union Company people working vations system and keeps the records together in harmony, for the whole of the West Coast. This job alone keeps her extremely busy and this, Pat Elsley heads the Shipping side com- coupled with counter enquiries, freig'ht de- prising Alison Sutherland, Rita McLaren livery and despatch, gives her no time to and Kieron Duncan, while Gharlie Low wonder where her day goes. (Travel Manager) is ably assisted by his staff, Cheryl Gray, Debbie Byrne, Vernon Only recently started is Debbie Byrne, Rayner and John Currie. She has taken the new duties in her stride: Above: \"Karetu\" loading coal at Westport. Unfortunately, by the time this publica- looking after the P.A.B.X. system, coun- (\"Westport News\" photo) tion makes print, Alison will have left ter enquiries, back-up N.A.C. Reservations after having been with the Company for Operator and a host of other duties which Right: Vernon Rayner handing Friendship four years. Her work with the office has fill her working day. When one section Captain J. Murray some /ast minute papers, been invaluable in the Accounting field. gets into difficulty, the other side moves Mu*^, .\"- Rita has just joined the office and is find- in to help. This, on a reciprocal basis, mated 15,000 tonnes of gypsum will be W's**e\",'-.'t, ing her way around the mysteries of Union helps bring about harmonious relations imported for use at N.Z. Cement Holdings. within the small office. Company Computer Accounting, a iob Union Company Westport is N.A.C.'s prin- nobody envies. Kieron handles most ol cipal Agent for the Buller Area as well as With coal vessels continuing a trade the mundane things which are always part which has been established for many handling the complete reservation system of a system run by a team, but which must for the West Coast, being linked with Grey- years and likely to keep going for many be completed successfully for the team to more years to come, it appears that work mouth and Hokitika by direct telephone. run smoothly. is guaranteed for Company vessels in this lf is a matter of interest that, over a Vernon is qualified to look after all trade. Westport office services these ships, period of two months in a non-peak period, travel requirements and, as well, holds an together with Anchor Dorman vessels 17,645 messages passed through this N.A.C. Friendship Despatch Certificate. which carry coal' to Tarakohe; they also office, so it can be seen the teleprinter He can, during certain periods of the look after vessels bringing in gypsum from machines linked to the N.A.C. Carina sys- year, have airport despatch duties twice Australia. tem do not stand idle. All travel arrange- a day, seven days a week and the balance ments both internal and overseas can be of the year twice a day, six days a week. Current predictions for coal exports are handled by the staff together with all the Vernon holds down the Kalamazoo ac- 100,000 tonnes to Portland, Whangarei; related business activities that travel counting position for this office and, like 15,000 tonnes to Tarakohe; whilst an esti- usually generates.

WESIPORT ROUIINES 1. Alison Sutheiland and Pat Elsley dis- tions through the teleprinter linked with cusslng an accounting point. Wellington and N.A.C. Carina System. 2. Vernon Rayner and an N.A.C. Hostess, 6. Debbie Byrne working on teleprinter Miss J. Gregory. Checking tor a lost baby? paper from Carina System. Note the freight in the background. 3. Rita McLaren working her way thtough the day's pay-outs. 7. Charlie Low deliberating on a point to 4. John Currie explaining a reservation to be made in a letter to a customer. a prospective customer. 8. Kieron Duncan delivering air lreight to 5. Cheryl Gray sending N.A.C. reserva' a customer. ,r,'r'r,&' 3

4- il^- I I ! ? I l N. S. Woods C.B.E. M.A., Visiting Fellow missed both their fellowship and their \"Shop Floor Democracy\" at 8.30 a.m. The with the lndustrial Relations Gentre. keynote address by Mr L. A. Cameron, 1977 contribution. C.B.E., Managing Director, Gear Meat After the record of recent conferences, Company Limited, was outstanding and The evening was a little more relaxed Wellington provided some good weather set the tone for the day's discussions. This and the fellowship at the dinner was of a this year and delegates from out of town New Zealand company has been much in high standard. We enjoyed having members INANAGERS' were able to enjoy the sights of Wellington the news of late and they have established of the panel as our guests. a good record in the industrial relations from the vantage point of the James Cook Sunday was devoted to workshop ses' Hotel which was the venue lor this year's field. The panel discussion led by Ray sions in the operational areas and there conference, Ross included Mr Cameron; Mr E, G' were numerous recommendations which, CONFERENCE Friday saw a good start with a free- Thompson, General Secretary of the New came out of this area. Many of them are Zealand Waterside Workers' Federation; ranging discussion lollowing the presenta- Mr W. H. Carson, Chairman of the Ship- already under action. tion of Emmet's \"Travelling Road Show\". ping lndustry Tribunal; and Miss R. Hart' Stevedoring Managers, Terminal Super- Excellent discussion papers were pre- lndustrial Reporter for the \"Dominion\". intendents and Workshop Managers stayed \"Work Relations\" was the theme for sented by Ron Holt on sales, Dick Harris- The only complaint was that time ran out this year's Managers' Conference. On Fri- Daw on Branch administration, Dave South' at the very stage when everyone was fully over tor the Monday and this gave them an opportunity to spend more time on con' day, July 15, Branch Managers'and Divi- worth on personnel relations, Merv Hunt participating and enjoying the very frank ference recommendations, particularly in sional Managers from as far away as on management accounting, Dick Oftwood talk-back. the labour relations area. With lhe chal- London, the Pacific lslands, Australia and on operations and Win Knewstubb on lenges of greater productivity which oan from Whangarei to ihe Bluff, began arriv' maintenance plant and equipment. There only be achieved through good staff rela- ing at Wellington for a weekend of study was plenty of discussion following each The afternoon at Victoria University was tions at all levels, Company executive staff and stimulating discussion. With Fili in the paper. devoted to industrial relations case studies have a keen appreciation of what is needed throes of a dockworkers' strike, Jack St. presented by Professor F. J. L. Young to make 1977-1978 another successful Julian and Conrad Murray had to remain Saturday was devoted entirely to the M.A., Director of the lndustrial Relations year. \"on deck\" at their Branches and we all conference theme commencing with a film Centre, Victoria University, assisted by Mr

Left: a part ot the Conference held in the Endeavour Room at the James Cook Hotel. Above: a group of absorbed tront-row parti' clpants at the Conference. From lett to right: David Jury, Peter Carr, Eric Chester, Ken Urry rnd Brian Cole. Abovo rloht: Mr L. A. Came'ron, Managing Diroctor, Aonr Moat Company Ltd, addressing tho moolirrgl. Right: a panel discussion led by Ray Ross (far left). Next to him is Mr W. H. Carson; Miss Rosema ry Hart, lndustrial Reporter ot \"The Dominion\"; and Mr E. G. Thompson, General Secretary, N.Z.W.W. lndustrial Union of Workers.

INSTRUCIIONS IO PASSENGERS WHEI{ CONVERSING WIIH OFFICERS ON IHE UNION SIEATUI SHIP COIIIPANY'S VESSETS Kindly suit your conversation to the abstruse questions is absolutely fatal to an men of simple mind, much needless suf- humble mental capacity of the officers, as officer's usefulness or, at least, it renders fering may be avoided. many of them have been reduced to tot- him incapable of coherent thought or tering wrecks through gigantic efforts to action for several hours afterwards. Any Senior Olficer will be glad to tell hold their own in ordinary intercourse with you what kind of weather we will have the average passenger. By observing the old adage that simple tomorrow or even next week. lf he feels The discussion of political or other questions only should be addressed to well, he can tell you the depth of the ocean at any spot you may specify. He can tell you how fast the ship is going on each side and exactly how fast she can sail if the engines were broken down. No one in the company knows its origins, but this classic turned up recenily He can usually tell within a minute or in the archives, Thought lo have been wrilten in the early 1920s, it harks back two of the hour of arrival in port if the to the heyday ot passenger shipping in which Union company played a maior role. passenger thinks it necessary to be exact. older readers may have come across it in the past; il so, we would like to know This, however, involves a great mental strain and should not be insisted on. The trom them where it origindted. course steered he usually knows within a few points but, if any question is to be asked on this subject, he should always have a few minutes notice so as to pull his wits together, Any ladies who may require any infor' mation on astronomical subjects can have it free of charge and, on the first clear night, any officer will be only too happy to point out Orion, the Moon, the Goose, or any other objects of interest. This is no trouble to'him; he can do it with one hand if he has one disengaged at the time. He is perfectly at home in explaining the cause of phosphorescence in the watet and will gladly lean over the rail with any young lady and explain matters. lf you would like to know the points about a first prize Albatross or a Molly-

hawk and where they build their nests, or property as it is only just that you should engaged, you should impress him with lf you should notice a wild, hunted glare whether they hatch their eggs under their be compensated for your trouble and an' your importance by insisting on having a in his eye, you need not be alarmed, as he wings, or why geese always walk in single noyance. The officer's annoyance does not cabin to yourself and hint vaguely that his is only wondering if ihe Cook's meat axe ls in good condition or not. The question as file, or why the ship always rolls most at count, as he is used to that sort of thing future promotion depends on his compli- meal times, or why clergymen always bring and it is part of his duty to receive all ance with your request as a word from to whether your remarks are idiotic or lm- pertinent never enters his poor bewildered bad weather with them, you can always kinds of abuse on behalf of the Company. you to the Directors will make or mar him. gain the most reliable and recent informa- You may not have influence enough to brain. tion on the subjects from any officer you Parties who may be moving their homes drive a goat into a paddock, but you can ln conversation with the Chief Steward' approach carefully and respectfully. from one part to another and who maY pretend that you are somebody very parti' you may compare the ship unfavourably have given away or sold all their lurniture cular, which will answer the purpose for with the P & O liner ln which you urere a except a few heirlooms, such as kitchen all time. The 4th Officer is to be approached on all passenger from London; the fact of you matters concerning luggage, or anything tables, fire irons, etc,, should caution the When not attending to his pursing, he being a second class passenger you may else that the passenger may think of at otficer to handle them very carefully and keep to yourself as it is totally unnecessary the moment; but luggage is the subiect on put them away by themselves somewhere may be consulted as to the most approved to mention it. You mlght, if you were sea which he is most at home. He is usually so as not to suffer injurY, manner of compounding a cocktail or on sick, attrlbute it to the cabins being stuffy chosen by the Company on account of his lf a leg be broken from the kitchen table, the relative merits of \"Talisker\" or \"Long and evil-smelling and remark that an op- John\", His opinion can generally be relied JobJike temper and a child may approach position Line is badly wanted. him safely at all times; the best time, or a bandbox be undulY strained, the on as a sound one. however, is after his meals. Tourists or amount of the damage will be deducted When dining, if you take a fancy to any' others who may wish to have their hat- from the officer's salary, if the case be The Engineer will be glad to unmuzzle thing not mentioned on the menu, order thE boxes, gold-headed canes, etc., sent to properly represented to the manager' As his wisdom regarding his own department Steward to prepare it at once; nothing the Club, can do so by simply mentioning his salary is a princely one, he can afford freely. As he is usually a somewhat primi- gives him greater delight than to meet the matter casually. a few deductions without noticing them tive person and is not supposed to know little wants of this descriPtion. much. anything beyond his own business, pas' sengers who may feel inclined to take Such petty details as addressing or To insure special attention, it is only notice of him and put him at his ease by The Captain is supplied by the Company labelling luggage are of no consequence necessary to mention that you are a per' speaking kindly to him should always entirely in the interests of passengers and, as the officer is supposed to know intuiti- sonal friend of the Managing Director and on account of his great and varied know' vely to whom each package belongs, also the officer will then burst his gallus but- begin by asking him how the old coffee ledge on all subjects during his many years mill is getting along, or if he is using all Ite deetlnation, and to see it delivered tons off in his frantic eftorts to serve you' the cylinders and if these are the boilers of experience in a iunior caPacity, he has accordlngly. ln the case of any luggage This is a hint you cannot afford to ignore where you see those things going up and got loaded up with all sorts 9f knowledge' belng loet or mlslaid, the proper course and will bring the proudest 4th Officer to down? Some simple and considerate ques- Scripture and whiskY and may now be ol procodure ls to approach the officer, his knees. tion of that sort is sure to put him at his regarded as a case-hardened oracle. lndlgnantly accuse hlm of gross careless- ease and make him your friend for life. ness and lhreaten to report him unless he The Purser must not be approached on The Company endeavours to meet all the produces the luggage at once. lf you are the subject of the weather as that is totally requirements by supplying several brands a much blgger man than he, you may out of his department and the Company He hears questions of a sensible sort of Captains to suit the tastes of the tra' swear at hlm, hlnt that he ls incompetent wishes to discourage any attempts on the so rarely that he yearns to impart informa- velling public. The \"Jolly Dog\" for patron- to fill hls posltlon and that he would shine part of young or inexperienced Pursers to tion when they are asked and will tell you age by commeroial men, tourists, and with greater brightness as a scavenger or manage the weather. all about his department, whether there is priests; \"the Soberside\" for elderly ladies some such kindred employment. a governor or not and, if so, whether it ls and solemn gentlemen; the \"God-fearing a good one; how much coal he burns in a Captain\" to watch over Salvation Army Tickets are his strong point and the day and if he lsn't tired of the monotony ot lf the luggage is very valuable, reflecl geography of the world is oozing out of a sea life. Warriors, Wesleyan Ministers and Ghrlstian on the legitimacy of the officer's birth and him at every pore, When You want any young men; the \"Old Fossil\"; and the \"Fire and Brimstone\". As the latter brand is the morality of his female relatives, then really reliable information regarding any go to the Company's office and lodge a route, whether you are going that way or Then you may playfully remark that you employed mostly in the West Goast and claim for 11 17 16s. 3d. All this will bring not, do not hesitate to address him as he wonder why all Engineers are Scotsmen' coal trades, profane persons desirous of the olficer to a sense of .his position as a is usually an affable person and takes and nearly all Macs. This is about as far as travelling should give the Company's traffic servant of the company and the public and great delight in giving strangers all parti- you can safely go at one interview; give mismanager a month's notice\" will prevent him from putting on too much culars, especially when he is busY' him time to digest your remarks and, at By Order of \"frill\". Be sure that you claim a large this point, leave him alone for an hour or amount above the value of your missing When the ship is full and all berths two. Outside Board ot Directors 15

R\\ \\ Wetlington Branch was for four months, busily involved in \\' what could correctly be described as the largest Agency iob ever xu $ handled by the Branch. We were called upon to act as Charterers' S&\\ N N Agents for M/s Balfour Kilpatrick Ltd, a division of British Insula- \\ \\ ted Callendar Construction Co., charterers of m.v. \"Photinia\" and d contractors to the N.Z. Electricity Department for the repair of \\ the faulty Cook Strait No. 1 power cable. ln addition, we were \\) appointed Owner's Agents for \"Lady Vera\", an anchor-handling .s$$ s vessel engaged as tender to \"Photinia\", and owned by Australian q a: Offshore Services of Melbourne. -,l t v) ru Our duties were diverse and time-consuming and there were \\ a( $$ occasions when we all wondered when the end would appear. \\$ s }B Nevertheless, although the going on some occasions was far from 6 L I$[s I$ smooth, we succeeded in meeting all of the requirements of our e (/l Principals. The following article gives some details of the back- \"{ ground of the Cook Strait Cable and the repair which has iust II been completed. Photographs accompanying this article were loaned by David Auger, Chief Engineer of \"Lady Vera\", and show some of the feaiful weather conditions experienced by this vesset whilst laying and recovering moorings. They also depict a notable first when a crew change was eflected in the middle of Cook Strait with the aid of the Bell Jet-ranger helicopter operated by Capital Helicop' ters Ltd and flown by Capt. Peter Button. \\- lr l;\"r - JY t/0t7w s€, 14.1,1 **?rlr!! !\" lo, Go$ roNNEs 8e&bwg/6#r /*e *f€77ws ZO NOR/\"IIIIY EULK CAR6O, CARR/ER €/APOR4R/IY I CABL€ /Ay//v6 //y /964/65 /4/vO 46A//v fO,? CA&/€ \"Photinia\" at anchor in Port Underwood\"

q( p }.\" IHE COOK SIRAII POWER !J I I s tr $ b s $T s CABLE REPAIR ,{ { $ $x (u {a q (r) SU $ (l sx d q, dlr.t The narrow stretch of water between North and South lslands q( \\* a$ q $ P ri q$ kept its reputation for fickleness, as this story from Merv Morris, Q erl s Cargo and Ship Servicing Manager, Weliington, shows {t n I ll lf the Maoris had known how to draw thermal steam, coal, natural gas-fired or The Northern terminal is at Oteranga I maps they would have shown New Zealand oil-fired generating stations-is not able Bay, near the tide-ripped Cape Terawhiti as having two main islands, Te lka a Maui to meet the demand. A vast scheme in the and only a few miles ,rom the scene gf the and Te Wai Pounamu, with a lesser island Tongariro area, yet to be completed, will tragic wreck of the \"Penguin\" in 1909. of Rakiura. lf you are able to peruse an probably be the last great hydro proiect in Power proceeds via columns of towers early European map, the islands will be the North lsland, but there are still great marching across the wild Terawhiti hills, shown as North, Middle and Stewart. Early untapped resources in the Clutha Valley skirting Wellington, then on to Haywards Maori legend has it that Maui, a navigator and massive developments heading toward sub-station where it is converted from DC of great repute, was sitting in his canse, completion at Twizel. to AG and fed into the grid. Te lka a Maui, fishing when he pulled from the sea, all streaming and green, Te Wai Maui's fishing line was long ago severed Getting the three big cables to the bot- 'R PROPEILEE Pounamu. lt may be from this legend that and the lnter-lsland Steamer Express link tom of Cook Strait was not the simplest we of the North refer to our lsland as the was also severed but, lar below the sea of tasks and the job took fifteen months of \"mainland\" but that is another story. over which many thousands of travellers 1964-65 to complete with aid of a Stag have passed, there lie three massive 1 11 mm Line grain-carrier, \"Photinia\", which was Regardless of legends and folklore, the (four and a half inches) power cables converted to perform the task. \"Photinia\", North lsland is steadily increasing its feeding many millions of units ol South a motor vessel of 10,000 tonnes normally population, somewhat to the detriment of tsland power into the ever-hungry maw of trading between St. Lawrence Seaway the South, and this is one of the reasons the North. ports and the Manchester ship canal, was !6f8mES AE/4/+/. why some fifteen years ago it was lirst very suitable for the task because of her -D ,FO,? COOK 5fR4/7 decided that the electricity generating The South lsland end of the submarine large hold capacity. t14 t1t /ezfz potential down there was worth tapping, cable is at Fighting Bay, a peaceful, remote following with the construction of the great bay a few miles up the coast from Port She had to be refitted with cable hand- Roxburgh hydro and, in more recent years, Underwood where, in the early '1800s, ling equipment, which includes lifting- there were more ships moored than have winching capacity greater than communi- the even greater schemes of Benmore, ever been seen in Weilington Harbour at cations cable laying ships have. The bow Aviemore and Manapouri. any one time. Port Underwood was to wit- and deck sheaves fitted to the vessel in a lncreasing demands from industry and ness bloody conflict between Maori and South Shields dockyard have much larger home consumption have all but exhausted Pakeha and, later, at a small lsland near diameters than other cable-layers and her the potential in the North lsland, where the entrance, the signing of the Tr€aty o, carrying capacity was easily able to carry power from varying sources hydro, geo- Waitangi by the Southern chiefs. more than 1,000 tonnes of cable. - 17

was also on the job in 1964-65. in the form of Hutt River shingle, giving the vessel some stability after the landing After testing cable-equipment, \"Photi- of mooring equipment. Ballasting was done nia\" sailed for Loch Fyne in Western Scot- by the Aotea Quay coal cranes and, upon Iand to carry out proving trials. These were completion, the ship moved over to Mira- to finalise the method of laying moorings, mar Wharf to load a 2,000 metre length of to confirm the satisfactory operation of the cable which had been stored in N.Z.E.D. cable handling machinery by laying and cable tanks against such an eventuality. recovering a length of cable and to famili- The mooring buoys and anchors were arise the ship's crew with the operation. transferred to \"Lady Vera\" for transporting to the fault site, where they were gradually On May 3, \"Photinia\" slid alongside laid in a pre-determined pattern. After Queens Wharf on a grey winter evening cable loading was completed with the aid but received a very warm welcome from of 21 New Zealand seamen who had been many people, including advance parties of specially signed on for cable work, a final personnel who flew out long after the ship loading of stores, water and fuel was taken had left Loch Fyne. The following day, aboard and \"Photinia\" sailed for the work commenced in earnest with the un- Cloudy Bay trial area on May 20, loading of ten massive mooring buoys and ten 10 tonne Stevin Anchors, along with The already bulging accommodation was many reels of wire and sundry other items supplemented by the construction, in num- of equipment for the task ahead. ber five hold, of portable accommodation \"modules\", each capable of housing four The next item was a rather unusual one men in reasonable comfort. There were lor our Wellington Stevedoring team-the also toilet and washing modules. Dining backloading of 500 tonnes oI solid ballast and recreation lacilities were constructed \"Lady Vera\" with the No.2 buoy and anchor on deck. An indication of the size ol the \"Dotphin V\" the third vessel involved in the programme seen transtetring personnel trom anchor in comparison with crew members can be gained trom this photagraph, \" Lady Vera\". On her first voyage to New Zealand introduced during laying when the ship's \"Photinia\" was accompanied by a small speed was unexpectedly reduced by a tender, \"Arran Firth\", which was com- tidal current. The cable was repaired with manded by Captain Laurie Hopper' The a rigid ioint inserted at the position of the then Second Officer of \"Photinia\" was kink, being the only rigid submarine joint Hugh Selkirk and on this latest venture to in the whole installation, and it was com- New Zealand he was promoted in command' pleted on May 19, 1965. lt was in this area Laurie Hopper was also part of the team that the present fault occurred on August on this occasion but spent most of his time 12, 1976. aboard a modern anchor-handling vessel, \"Lady Vera\", chartered from Australian Three months later, on October 12, m'v' Offshore Services to lay moorings in the \"Photinia\" was removed from the bulk :ff & middle of Cook Strait over the cable fault cargo trade and began fitting out at Read- which was located 15.5 kilometers from head & Sons shipyards, Tynemouth. Con- r Fighting Bay in 90 meters of water. version was a long arduous task and not ii. completed until February 1,1977, being X During the first cable laying operation overseen by Mr Bill Letchford, whose face H in Cook Strait on December 11-12, 1964, has been a very familiar one around the ffi ,$s the cable was kinked and failed on test on Wellington Office ln recent months. He, :$ December 23. This kink was accidentally like many others accompanying the vessel, tffi n *

on the boat deck abaft the lunnel on the portion cut off, but bad weather forced a starboard side. The U.K. crew were not further break and brought disaster two employed for cable-handling duties and days later when three moorings carried attended to the normal day-to-day ship- away, with the ship only just getting clear board tasks. without damage to propellors and rudder. Chief Steward Stan Fuller, also Ghief in After sheltering behind Mana lsland 1964, had his work cut out to feed a total once more, \"Photinia\" returned to Welling- complement of 88 and he was a very dis- ton for twenty days whilst \"Lady Vera\" concerted man when the Agriculture Of- lifted all anchors and buoys and modified ficer sealed all meat lockers for the dura- the mooring system, then transported them tion of the vessel's stay in New Zealand back to the fault area. waters. This meant that freezer space was sadly overtaxed by the need to take on She was a very busy little vessel with local meat and bacon. Captain Lou Bain, the man in charge ol mooring operations, tearing his hair. Cap- tain Hopper spent many hours at sea and Everyone associated with the repair task Captain Burney Bannerman, of \"Lady and none more than Mr Norman Water- - Vera\" and a former Union Company Mas' house, Prolect Manager-was concerned ter, both began to imagine the task would with the vagaries of Cook Strait weather, never come to an end. all hoping for a reasonable spell to pro- ceed but this was not to be. ln the normal Finally, on July 23, both ships sailed for inimitable style of the Strait, southerlies the mooring area and, on July 27, \"Photi- lined up in qUick succession to blow down nia\" was securely moored after two abor- made to shift both ships to Queens Wharf Above: seas on the main deck ol \"Lady upon \"Photinia\" and her tiny consort, tive attempts. On July 29 the straight joint and load the mooring equipment back Vera\". As the vesse/ dips her stem the \"Lady Vera\". aboard for return to Tyneside. The weather deck is completely awash. was made and launched and we heard the sigh of relief on this side of the Strait. as usual played havoc with this loading A highly sophisticated Decca Trisponder The loop joint was the next lob: not such and sailing day, August 19, came and went. Below: Capital Helicopters' Bell Jet-ranger system was set up on both sides of the a simple one as the first but, at 0600 hours ln fact it was not until 1207 on Saturday, on the deck ot \"Lady Vera\" changing crew Stralt and aboard both vessels to enable on August 4, the joint launch was started August 20, that we saw the stern of the in Cook Strait. a vory accurate plotting of the fault area and completed at 1540 hours in very dif- \"Photinia\" moving away from the wharf to be made, thus allowing \"Photinia\" to ficult weather conditions. All moorings for the last time, with many people waving lle ln moorlngs over the cable which, after were then cut and \"Photinia\" made haste farewell as the ship's complement had havlng been grappled for by \"Lady Vera\", for the shelter of Port Underwood. made many friends during their four-month waa cut wlth an explosive charge and stay in Wellington. hauled lnboard by the cable-ship and capped. But, due to lnclement weather, It now was a time of waiting for the cable \"Lady Vera\" stayed a little longer but th.ls part ol the operatlon was not done to be gassed up. Both voltage and gas- she, too, sailed for Launceston on Thurs- until June 13 and the second cut was tight tests were made before all would be day, August 25, under the command of made on June 16. Four days of good convinced the repair was completed and Captain Alistair Cuthbert who had spent weather at thls polnt would have seen the all hands could return to the United K'ing- two spells in command of the vessel during whole task completed, but this was not to dom, August 12 saw a successful voltage the cable repair job. be as bad weather forced the ships to test (425Kv-15 minutes) and \"Photinia\" in return to Wellington. the meantime had been lifting trial cable Captain Hopper and Norman Waterhouse lengths from Cloudy Bay and landing them flew out on August 23, followed by Bill On June 27, \"Photlnia\" sailed again for at Miramar. Letchford on August 26. Tony Arkley, the an all-out assault but was forced to shel- shore-based Office Manager, closed the ter, first in the lee ol Mana lsland and then After th'is task was completed, and \"Lady temporary office on the Wellington Branch in Port Underwood. July 1 saw her once Vera\" had.lifted anchors, wires and buoys mezzanine floor and said his farewell on again in moorings with cable lifted and a from the fault area, preparations were August 27.The saga had really ended. 19

fl [*- lr t ii I CHANGES IN HEAD OFFICE NEW LAYOUT FOR Work has commenced on the extensive al erations being made to the Head Office building in Wellington. The Company has FIFTH FLOOR decided to take this course of action rather than go ahead with the original concept of new office buildings on the present Head Office site. The main reasons for this NA ME|MTB change have been the excessive increases in cost due to inflation and also the fact that, with the number of new office build- ings already built in Wellington, there may be a surplus of lettable office space for MNAGEMENT SEFr'ICES some time into the future, rfl At present, the Head Office building's earthquake rating life is from 15-20 years. lE I By undertaking these alterations and 1il removing walls, thereby lessening weight, the earlhquake rating of the building will increase to the 20-25 year bracket. Aside from these building requirements, the lil alterations should provide Head Office TT staff with a greaier degree of comfort and i{ tll lighting and more modern surroundings in t{ which to work. Ii- r,*,-.1 il; \\i.., The total cost ,or the fifth floor is expec' I {/ i: tr {r li ted to be in the vicinity of $85,000, which t_6Fr6,6 + ir will include such things as lighi littings and carpet. Work has commenced in strip- ping the fifth lloor and this is expected to be completely renovated before Christmas. The plan is to then work down the building, rcdnNc MmtrR taking two-to-three months to complete MWEW Affi each floor. I Although internally the Head Office complex will in future look quite different, externally it will remain the same, with the exception of brightening up and new paint work.

Bryan Smith and family were off to Raro- COMMERCIAL from work the next Monday, Those Tau- tonga for a brief holiday early in Septem- ranga 'bugs' must be contagious, ber. Two years ago the Smiths spent an There have been many changes in this enjoyable holiday in New Guinea and we department since 1975, the last time Com- a cannot blame them for getting away to a mercial entered an article in this maga- warmer climate at this time of the year. zine, when Glenys Wilson joined the The 'Terrible Twins', alias Keryn and Company. Glenys, organised a group from Union Company to attend a Beer Festival in a a Pomare which proved highly successful' Even though it took a week of map read- Desrae Sullivan, our We have had two new additions to our ing to get directions, the party eventually typist, (thats her in family this year. The first, Keryn Hatfield, met at the Wellington Railway Station and the picture), is a Nel- joined us In January, having been trans- all four cars moved out in convoy. The sonian and has her ferred from Credit Control. Just recently, guys certainly drank a fair share of the own \"set of wheels\". Val Gunn arrived from Auckland to increase beer and Glenys, Keryn and Louise mana- It has been discov- the number ol females which now out- ged to polish otf three bottles of wine ered she is using a numbers the males. A further step to between them. A good night had by all. local pilot who is also Womens Lib! a recent import from a the South. Watch your a step Stuart C. That wraps up the news from this corner On March 25 Paul Romanos arrived at of the Company. We hope you will hear a work beaming from ear to ear. His wife from us again before another two years had presented him with a little baby girl: lapses. Stephen Wright is a hockey player of Claire Kathryn. Congratulations go to them some repute and on one recent weekend both. managed to get his name in three news- papers. However, the same weekend he a TRAFFIC somehow or other developed a sprained WELLINGTON SOCIAL CLUB ankle and the size and seriousness of the Warwick Bullock took to his wings in The annual males vr females netball Drnyr Carpenter returned to us early in lnjury can be guessed from the illustration August for a three-day business trip to game was held on SundaY, SePtember 4, July tftor an absence of two years. He below. Tauranga. Funnily enough he was absent in perfect conditions at the Hataitai Net- want rwry to our Mount Maunganui office ball courts. The curtain raiser was a win and wr erc left wondering why he has to the males 9-4 and the teams were - returncd lo our mlserablo climate. Denys Males: Garry Millar, Wayne Craddock, clalm! thrt thc curl near his home at Noel Dent, Chris Morrison, Bill Walshaw, Paekakarlkl Bcach la th€ magnet that drew Phil Scales and Ross Vercoe. Females: him back. Louise Knebel, Viv Martin, Desrae Sullivan, Lyndsay Allan, Mary-Lou Anderson, Lynda a Duffy and Alison O'Sullivan. The males' egos were very high after Stuart Conloy lg a keen eoccer playet this game, but litile did they know that a and, during the soason, ln lalr weather serious struggle for superiority would be and foul, he attended tralnlng two nlghts evident in the main game commencing at a week. He arranged a Boccer game for 2.45 p.m. a girls' team from our Soclal Club to play a girls' team from the Shlpplng Corporation The second game commenced with some and appointed himself referee. Unfortunat- fantastic court work and quick goals which ely, weather conditions forced the cancel- soon put the females in a winning position lation of the game. and a re-arranged and very deflated male side took the court for the second half being down 2-10. With a little help lrom

I i the umpire, they managed to reduce the deficit by 5 goals, but time ran out and the temales reigned supreme winning 1 6-1 1. The teams were:- Males: William Framhein, Steve Wright, Jim Dun, Nio John, Peter Rowe, Stuart Conley and Garry Shuttleworth. Females: Viv Vercoe, Lynda Duffy, Keryn Hatfield, Alison O'Sullivan, Sandy Wyatt, Mary-Lou Anderson and Lesley Haines. Next year it has been decided that the females will wear a full coat of armour as many bruises were evident on Monday morning. Special thanks go to the three \"super fit\" females, Mary-Lou, Lynda and Alison, who played in both games, our umpire John Hickey and our many spectators, amongst whom one Captain D. A. Millar was forced to eat his words that the males would win both games. Union Company uniformity yersus a motley array ol jerseys during a Sunday game ol The netball toam this year boastod three 1977 Netball and Rugby rugby. regular Saturday playors and won thoir This year our social netball and rugby first game by six goals in vory wot condl- games got olf to an early start on sunday tions. Some spectators thought they were May 22. The rugby team were all decked watching water polo. Enthusiasm grew and out in their new green uniforms, but we managed to field a regular team of unfortunately continued on their losing seven players, except for the game against way, Great jubilations were in order on T & G in which Dave Feehan and Garry June 12 when the rugby team recorded Shuttleworth donned their positional bibs their first win in five years. Not many teams and played for the 'ladies'. After the game would be able to beat that record. it was unanimously agreed that next time we need players we will call upon these From then on the team has tried hard two professionals. with one other success and two more failures, Several 'outsiders' boosted the Three losses were recorded during the ranks and the final game saw more 'out' siders' than Union Company members in season but, in the final game, a resounding win was recorded and the girls finished the team. lt is hoped that next year the the seascn as they started-on a winning early enthusiasm shown by Social Club note. members w'ill continue throughout the season. Our uniforms looked great and the Thanks are extended to Garry Shuttle- positional bibs obtained by Lynda Dufty worth who, after joining the Social Club from the Hutt Valley rep team made us Committee in late June, was given the Iook very professional as we ran on to task of organising the rugby team. the court. Thanks to Lynda Duffy and Mary-Lou Anderson for organising the games and finalising the team.

The after match functions, all of which August Get-together were held in the Union Company Social It looked, from early ticket sales, that rooms were very successful and thanks the Social CIub get-together on Wednesday, are extended to our cooks Lynda, Mary- August 10, would be a quiet affair, but Lou and Lyndsay for all their very hard' this was not to be. With gallons of beer work. Savs and sauce are still on the menu and spirits, plus a large meal of chicken, and proved very popular with the tired, fish, salad and trimmings the party atmos- hungry players. phere was soon under way, helped by a new ingredient-a stereo. .Right: The Union Company netball team which played against T & G. Back row: Kindly donated by Doug Flint on his Lesley Haines, Mary Lou Anderson, Lynda departure to Auckland Branch, it proved to Dufly, Shelley Melody. Front row: Chris be most successful. Starting as soft back- Stephen, Garry Shuttleworth, Dave Feehan. ground music and building up over the Note the two 'protessionals'. night to a Disco-type roar, everyone was soon up dancing and singing along with it t. playing Stu Conley's L.P.s. Thank you Doug for helping make this get-together one Y of the most enjoyable so far. Soccer The soccer match between the Union Company boys and girls v. the Shipping Corporation was cancelled on Sunday, August 28, one of the sunniest days Wel- lington has seen, due to a waterladen field. Stu Conley would like to thank Social Club members for their response and this fixture will be a must for next year's calendar. Combined Shipping Ball fne iszz Combined Shipping Ball was held in the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Saturday, July 23. The Ball was again RESULTS OF THE GAMES a tremendous success with increased participation from shipping companies, with Rugby Netball tickets very limited. May 22 v. N.Z. Shlpping Corporation lost 8-10 won 16-10 Shlpping Companies represented were: June12 v.P&O won 41-19 lost 18-22 Union Company, P & O, Shipping Corpora- June 19 v. N.Z. Railways cancelled-wet weather tion, Nedlloyd, Seatrans, Japan Line, Rus- July 3 v. Caltox Oil lost 12-36 cancelled sell & Somers, Seabridge, and several representatives from Union Travel offices July 17 v. A.M.P. lost 12-36 lost 16-20 in the Wellington area. AugustT v.T&G cancelled lost 19-31 Thanks are extended to the Ball Sub- August 14 v. Blue Port/A.C.T. won 1&10 won 20-5 committee for their very hard work in organising this event and to all the many 23

T helpers who turned out on Saturday after- noon to help decorate the hall. This Ball has now become a permanent fixture on all Shipping Companies social clubs' calendars for the future. Kevin Thomas, our Assistant Accountant, and Bromwyn Upton, late of Maitland in New South Wales, were married recently and are now discovering that two can live as cheaply as one contrary to popular belief. We intend to send a wedding photo for the next issue of Under Way. Ron Holt, Ken Keech, Jack Turner and a Wayne Harris-Daw. . . AT THE CONFERENCE Alister Hannah, our rotund Accounts Clerk, had to cry off from playing soccer The 1977 Managers' Conference is this year and instead concentrated on soft- reported elsewhere in this issue but, in ball training for the coming summer season. case some readers thought it ended promptly each evening, here is evidence a to the contrary. ln various locations in the And at the dinner, Brian Cole and Peter hotel (and other places which shall be Hewett. . . Grant Leishman, another Accounts wal- nameless) extra-curricular activities went lah, or our answer to rugby's Tane Norton, on well into the night. had a fairly succesful rugby season and his team finished midway in the under- 19 years grade. a Elizabeth Barlow, who replaced Sandra Gold as our Machine Operator, has settled .. . and Graeme Peebles, Bob O'Brien, Jim into her new job and has added some Cochrane and Win again, obviously photo- rather colourful South Otago colloquia- graphed early in the evening. lisms. George Fortune and David Southworth a may be discussing a weighty problem. Meanwhile, Ewen Brass, our Seacargo Manager, just carries on regardless, a Our resident photographer became shut- ter happy one day recently and recorded local goings-on for posterity. The berthing . . . and Ray Ross, David Norman with For example, Tom Petherick and Win panel guest Rosemary Hart. of \"Union Lyttelton\" extended his subject Knewstubb are unlikely to be discussing range considerably, Featured on the next \"shop\" problems in this situation. page is a selection of the results.

Dunedin Branch Manager Sfuarf floblnson and \"Union Lyttelton\" Master Capt. Arthur (Paddy) Watson, Chiet Engineer, \"Union Lyt- Southern Region Travel Manager John Morris with Alex Sulikosky. telton\". Travel Consultant Debbie Freeman. \"To heck with selling this. Let's go ourselves\". Radlo Ollloor J, Evans, Third Afficer K. Miller, Chiet Steward G. Whyte, and Thlrd New lJnion Travel stalf at Dunedin with typist Liz Dunedin Branch Manager's Secretary Sue Sfrange Otllcer P. Howoon ol \"Unlon Lyttelton\" at Dunedin. \"She's a// finished folks.\" Barlow (second lrom lett): lrom lett, Shayne Smith, takes a break. Rhonda Lowe and Debbie Frceman. General Manager Union Travel, Ken Keech, stirs fl,e boys along supported by \"lJnion Lyttelton\" Purser Dick Hay discussing impor- Dunedin Travel Manager Bruce Fairbairn keeplng Southern Region Travel Manager John Morris and Dunedin Travel Manager Bruce tant matters with Alastait Hannah of Dunedin statf. tabs on staft member Elaine Sternberg. Fairbairn. \"Did you really buy this in Melbourne?\"

who come to us from Wellington. lt has The Travel Department has also em- We welcome Rita Mclaren to the estab- been a hectic start for Merv for, other ployed a part-time worker, Glenys Good' lishment to take over the Accounts work than the normal upheaval of shifting house, man, to cope with the inevitable iob of and wish her well in her new position. he inherited a full list of shipping move- Branch reconciliation which many Travel ments on our notice board; a definite staff are familiar with. a case of being thrown in at the deep end' As we failed to submit anything for the We are glad to see that, now he is through Vernon Rayngr trotted olf to Germany last publication; there is quite a lot of news this early initiation, he is swimming a and Europe for an opera festival \"and came to catch up on. Once again, we have had strongly. We wish him and his family happy back singing Wagnerian overtures. lt a major staff re-organisation. Harry Yates days. May this corner of operations go Captain Norman has now moved to live sounded something like that to the untuned retired on July 31 and, this being a Sunday, from strength to strength. in windy Bell Block. His house is conven- ear. Nevertheless, he had a wonderful we ensured he worked hiS full time out iently situated half way between the beach time but having to put his head down and and didn't leave the job early' Harry and and the hotel. Our congratulations to David earn a crust was very hard. Marjorie have moved to Gisborne, one ol a in his new post of Operations Manager his old haunts, where there are family ties Steve Matich from Auckland ofrice N.Z.O.S. for them. We are assured it was not replaced Ross Thomson, Assistant Travel a because of New Plymouth weather, Manager, who left in April. Ross is now in a London and travelling light-no bags, no Debbie Byrne has been very quiet. We Staff and clients gave Harry and Marjorie tickets, no passport, no nothing. can't find out much about her although a good send off at a number of functions, We remind all our visitors to New Ply- she plays in a ladles' pool team; so think the major staff one being held at Foreman a mouth that the House Bar session at the twice, you blokes, belore you invite her Laurie Ray's place, at which the Yates Royal 1700-1800 Fridays is still on. All for a game of pool as you could be in for were presented with a magnificient oil Aftell4 years of service and with quite are welcome. a big surprise. painting of our famous mountain, obviously a few more grey hairs than when he on one of the rare days it emerged from started, David Goodwin, Travel Manager, a its cloudy lair. lt was a good party, even resigned in early June. His replacement if there was a little bit ot fog around is Neville Fenton, Neville has been involved' John Currie has been in the wars. He David Norman's car bridge when he in travel in New Plymouth for a number of has had to see the surgeon in hospital departed in the wee hours of the morning. years and so he is definitely no stranger and we all wish him well for a quick to the job although such things as our recovery and hope he ls back with us soon On the Friday evening, staff and clients Branch reconciliation are not as easy to fit and well. held a function in the Manager's office. understand as the rules of tennis when Travel made special ooncessions by starting in a new position. We all hope First of all we must say that Trish Mul- a closing early for the occasion. The problem Neville is enjoying his position as Manager. vihill did it at last. Before your minds start was that the front doors were left unlocked We discovered during the farewell to Harry to stray, Trish has made an honest man Congratulations to Kieron Duncan on to allow guests to feed hungry parking Yates that he is used to having a guitar out of a Greymouth shopkeeper and keen making the Buller under-18 Rugby Reps meters. Around 6.45 p.m. it suddenly in his hands. He accompanied Foreman golf enthusiast. Heartiest congratulations who went to Greymouth to register a good dawned on us that HarrY had not been George Murray as songster and theY to you Trish and lan and all the very best win. sighted for some time and a search party provided us with a very entertaining for the future. was despatched. Harry was found at the evening, a front counter dealing with some innocent travellers. How's that for dedication to the a Charlie Low is away with the little fish Alison Sutherland is soon to leave us as end? in September - a pastime he has had for Mid-July, Steve shocked the office with an addition to the family is expected in years but for some reason or another, - We all wish Harry and Marjorie a long, the announcement of his resignation. He December. We hope all goes well, Alison, with all his practice, his quota doesn't happy and healthY retirement' left in mid-August. We wish Carla Warden' and hope the baby's initials do not work seem to improve. his replacement, who has already been out like the job you have been doing overseas and who seems to be settling in most capably for the last four years. Gould a a remarkably well, the best of luck in her you ever forgive yourself if it had initials new role of Travel Consultant. like E. D. P. S.? Cheryl Gray has been a good girl of recent times but she is off to Tauranga in We extend a warm welcome to our September for a basketball tourney so we new Manager, Merv Hunt, and to his family'

\"That reminds me, as an item of \"What do you mean 'sunnY'? lt's done wilt have to request the spies in the Marion Craig at the time of writing was nothing but rain since last Easter. Okay interest, the old Accounts room first - Tauranga area to keeP an eye on her. on holiday in Britain. No doubt she will floor front has now been let to P & O be pleased to write an account of her - but what else has happened?\" as their new Berthing Centre' So once - experiences for \"Under Way\"; otherwise \"lf you'd hung aiound last Friday you a again we'll see Brian Belcher, Morrie Wil- the staff may be forced to write in their would have been on hand until a late liams and Jane Bindoff (nee Russell) in Scribe Pat ElsleY as usual has done interpretation. hour having a farewell drinkie for and and around the building.\" nothing, seen nothing or heard nothing with Val Gunn. She started in Wellington \"Have you noticed that lrish is missing? about himself. That's why he always has a a office on August 8, working in Commercial You know, the new Junior, Peter Morti- clean slate. Department, I think. And while there I mer. He rePorted a few daYs ago to A newcomer to the ranks is Foreman heard about Rowan Elliment. Come back Brian Dixon. ln between ships, he has about Christmas and you'll have informa- Waiouru. He's ioined the Territorials. You'd better mention that just so any 'old been setting up a new'shop'and organis- tion for your March issue as to whether sweats' will know that not all the country ing newly-obtained gear. Already Brian is it's a boy or girl.\" is a collection of pansy pacifists.\" earning himself a reputation as a hard \"Sorry, can't say that, but I know what worker. \"Good on her. The Mates and Engineers who know and have dealt with you mean. AnywaY, I can't hang around Rowan will be pleased to know. Was it talking to you all day. You should be able a true what I heard about Malcolm Paton - to make something of what l've given Yes, Timaru is still on the map, even if Geoff Grenfell, somehow or other, has that he was glad to be back in New Zea- you.\" will see what I can \"Thanks Bryan land after six weeks holiday in California' our contributions to these pages have turned up in frostY Timaru. With an U.S.A.?\" do.\" - been a little scarce of late. Many changes interesting variety of ships and, of course, \"Rather brings home the truth that one \"Wait on before You hang uP' what - have occurred over the past few months: our 24-hour service for tankers, it appears about the Terminal?\" from the Travel Division, Dot Fowler has he is being kept out of mischief' He has has to travel overseas before one realises \"l thought of that, but they're quite a retired from active duty but has now been heard to mumble (we think in Fijian) that home is best.\" big olfice in their own right, so no doubt entered a new field. lt appears she is something about our winter weather. \"l know who You haven't reminded me will submit their own report.\" back in business as a Union Travel Tour There's nothing like a good frosty morn- about Peter Hampton. I understand he's - Escort and is building quite a reputation ing on the wharf to kill a taste for Yaqona. settling in well as one of the Sales Repre- a ln this field. sentatives. Anyway, he looks as if he'll enjoy living uP here in this warmer The fortunes and misfortunes of the a climate, although I bet he's just about Lions were closely lollowed by many worn out the map he's supplied with. He John Neale is welcomed to the fold must like the job; I heard him whistling members of the staff. Shrewd Bob O'Brien rnd, bolng a good brass bandsman, is the other day. And another thing - why met with financial gain at the expense of turo to blow the Union Travel horn. don't you tell them about the game of John Rainbird and Stan Lewis. John is Musical Rooms going on at the moment' originally from London and Stan from a Now that Tony Smyth has left, lan Gray Wales. QUAY STREET goes to Tony's old room while Ron Holt The Welshman made contact with the Travcl Manager Roger Thomas has goes to lan's room and Peter Maras goes team and their supporters, all of whom been havlng a luccessful run of promo' How lt Gets Done to Ron's old room and . . .\" enjoyed their stay in New Zealand, were tions latoly. At a recent Trans function \"G'day Ted. I see we have to do some' impressed with the contrasting beauty of about 600 people turned uP. These thing for the staff magazine and have it \"Have a heart. lf I printed all that they both lslands and the hospitality the Kiwis southern Klwle aeem to be obtaining a would think it was a modern version - extended to them. But many of the team taste for Yaqona. in by Friday.\" in the habitational sense - of the book in were not so impressed with some of the \"That's right Bryan - but what the the Bible where there are pages of some- hospitality dished out on the paddock. heck's happened that can be reported?\" a one begat someone else who begat At the time this was written John and \"Well, for a start there's Doug.\" someone who begat . .\" Stan were desperately hoping that the Les Wilson has been ln the battles after \"What about him? - I Presume You series would be squared with the result \"Fair enough-but you could emphasise having his car stolen from hls garage. The mean DoUg Flint?\" the fact that visitors to Auckland Office that Bob O'Brien would be lighter of police did a fine tracking job and located \"Well, he's now joined the staff as 'pay- need not necessarily find the bod they're pocket. the vehicle two months later at Dunedin. bob'. From the way he smiles I reckon he is glad to be back in a warm, sunnY looking for in the office he was in a couple climate.\" of months ago.\" 27

r: [' 1 Herewith is an extract from the New Gough, both of whom were glad to obiain Zealand Herald, Monday, August 26, con- some sea time. ln charge of the launch I was Ted Miller, Shipwright, who maintains cerning Clerical Assistant Simon Richards: \"The Owairaka junior S. Richards the launch for the owner. proved that to finish, even though it be The trip over was smooth and unevent- last in the field and, at that, eight minutes ful and an anchorage found in Whanga- behind the second-to-last man, can bring parapara Harbour for the night. After a an equally honourable reward. For hearty breakfast, the trip continued to the Richards, formerly of Tauranga, by his Port Fitzroy area where various good tenacity in finishing the race, won for his possles were tried in an endeavour to club the teams race and his elation at catch fish. The fishing was more notable receiving a team trophy was the equal of ,for the variety of species of fish caught Gibson's in receiving first prize.\" than the weight. However, a good fresh meal was enjoyed by all with a few left over for smoking at Snpkehouse Bay that o nlght. The voyage home was undertaken on At 9.00 a.m. on SaturdaY, August 27' the Sunday by way of Little Barrier lsland 118 runners started in the Calliope Mara' and Canoe Rock wlth little fishlng success. thon on the North Shore in Auckland. The Ray Warrlner did most of the helmsman course was a gruelling 26 miles and 385 work as he said they wouldn't let him yards run in verY hot conditions, take the wheel on the big ships. All aboard Auckland Waterfront Joggers entered six €njoyed the trlp and agreed to try to runners. Bruce Palmer produced our best The Auckland Social Club netball team was photographed recently after a \"big arrange another. time of 2 hours, 38 minutes, 47 seconds, match\". Featured from left to right are: Mark McArthur, Sam Kum, Nelly Main, Bob being placed fourth. Bruce used this as a O'Brien (camera shy), Mark Moore, Peter Anthony, Jeff Scott, Carrie Bailey, Sheryll Col' a training run with plenty of steam to spare. well, Janet King, Christine Leete, Margaret Litchfield, Val Gunn and Margaret Muller. Next following in the long trail of sweat Auckland Marine Social CIub recently were Barry Niethe and Dai Martin who ran purchased a new pool table and, on together over the course which circled dellvery, were faced with a problem ol Lake Pupuke seven times. gotting the table up to the canteen. The Si McLaughlin (41st) finished in 3 hours, ACCOUNTS from Wellington branch, As an ex-Hamil- 14 minutes, 36 seconds, while Kai Manuel tonian and Aucklander it is again a matter configuratlon of the doorways and stair- and Bill Philpott slogged on to finish 76th The P & O Passenger Division returned of 'welcome back' to Doug. way were such that it appeared impossible and 78th with times of 3 hours, 44 to Union House on August 15 when they to navigate the table to its proper place. minutes, 27 seconds and 3 hours, 45 took up the tenancy of our former Steve- a However, Workshop ingenuity won the minutes, 59 seoonds respectively. Both doring office on the first floor. Many wlll day and the table went up on a crane Si Mclaughlin and Bill Philpott are recall that the P & O Berthing Centre was On the other hand, we had to saY fare' and through the window and is now earn' Ing its keep. \"golden oldies\" knocking on for 60. previously located on the same first floor well to Val Gunn, transferred from Pacific The torrid heat around noon made con- before they moved next door into their lslands Division of Head Office in Auck- ditions very trying, This marathon was own building on December 18, 1971. We land to Commercial Division, Wellington. a regarded as slow, the winner finishing in extend a welcome 'home' to those of their We wish her well and will miss her assis- 2 hours, 29 minutes, 18 seconds. Of the staff who were involved in the previous tance and ready smile in the Branch. The Social Club soccer team beat the 118 who started, 98 finished. The perfor- move, and a cordial 'welcome aboard' to Blockhouse Bay Social 'A' team 3-1 in a mances of our six were: recent confrontation. The team took the all. Hrs. Mins. Secs. MARINE REPAIR WORKS field in the new AMRW outfit and looked Bruce Palmer 2 38 47 very crisp at the start of the match. They Barry Niethe 3 11 31 a Some members of \"Porridge\" recently are looking forward to matches against Dai Martin 3 11 41 participated in a weekend trip to Great the Seamen's Union and the Air Force in Si McLaughlin 3 14 36 We also welcome Doug Flint, transferred Barrier lsland aboard the launch \"Taree\". the future. Kai Manuel 3 44 27 to Auckland Accounts from Head Office, They were accompanied by two members Bill Philpott 3 45 59 and Peter Hampton to Auckland Sales of Sea Staff, Ray Warriner and Stan

The Social Club organised a Dine and It has come to our notice that a certain Dunedin area. The citrus was loaded on George Morris, our old Bond Clerk and Dance at the Auckland Leagues CIub, Par- avid Lions supporter was suggesting to to \"Coastal Trader\" on Friday, August 12, the former Workshop Chief Clerk, still nell. The event was well patronised, the his wife, just after half time in the last on her Voyage 20 South. visits us from time to time to say hello supper was excellent, the band in good Test, that they would have a night out The project was co-ordinated by Dick and is looking better than ever. form and the entertainment by George during the week at the expense of the Williamson for the Lions and Dave South- a Tumahai and Robin Ruakere was hilarious. Black fans. What happened? He had to worth, Terminal Superintendent, arranged Voted a good night by all. ask his wife for ten dollars. the facilities and the volunteer waterside Mark Moore, our Stock Ledger Clerk, had labour. Pat Monaghan, Duty Supervisor, a was in charge ol the Terminal operation. a good 21st birthday party which was well o The Waterside Workers' Union gave their attended by the Stores staff. Apart from During the last few months we wel- full support to the project and volunteers some sore heads on Sunday, everyone had comed to our ranks Tony Ware, lan Gray, There was also a bus load of fans, f rom the Terminal labour force, plus a thoroughly good time. Gordon Cronk, Ron Hutchinson and Terry obviously more Lions than Blacks from others from within the waterfront organisa- Radonich to the Outside Fitters; Brian the accents, who went to the North Auck- tion, provided the willing hands. a Thompson to the Plumbers; Steve Curtis land match at Whangarei and, apart from to the Electricians; Dennis Wood and what we thought was the one game lass We were sorry to hear that Peter Dow- Russell Rogers to the Shipwrights; Ryan amongst 44 men, we found another whose ler's wife has been ill and we all hope she Petersen as a Driver; Bill Moss to the name was changed to Phyllis because if STORES is well on the way to recovery and good Machine Shop; and RaY Hawes as couldn't drink it's refreshment from the Greetings once more. Again our litile health. Refrigerating Engineer. bottle without spilling some. ,f also had corner of the world is in a state of up- a bottle of fancy wine at the match to keep a a the cold away. Keep it up \"Phyllis\". heaval. We are all very busy at the moment with We farewelled Aussie Naylor, who a returned to Australia \"crook as fourteen We welcome to the Department Dave the big move as Wellington close down the dlngoes\"; Frank Eddleston, off on an Chait who joins us from the Workshops Evans Bay store and shift most of the extended tour of the U.K.; and Arthur Division. Dave has taken up the position stock here. Peter Dowler is up and down (Bunny) Bundock who, after eighteen of Head Storekeeper, replacing Jack the road to Customs so often we are going y€ar8, Sought greener pastures. SEACARGO TERMINAL to buy him a skateboard (with the big Angus who, after 26 years with the Com- \"U\", naturally). pany, retired in July. a On Saturday, August 6, the Seacargo Terminal was involved in an Auckland a ll la wlth rsgret that we noted the death Lions' Club project to transport citrus ol Etnla Frlbence who served many years fruit from the Auckland area to various Paul Glassie, our Accounts Clerk, is wllh lha Workahop as a Plumber before organisations in the South lsland, such as leaving us after four and a half years' ONEHUNGA hl. ratlramant. l.H.C. and Old Age Pensioners. The effort service and heading home for the sunny was preceded by considerable radio pub- shores of Atiu, in the Cook Islands. Every- Five unusual sea-freighters seen here o licity and its effectiveness was evidenced one here wishes both Paul and David good recently were units fitted with horse stalls by the response of the people of Auck- luck for the future. which had been made by Anchor-Dorman We alao wclcomcd two new Supervisors land. workshops and sent up to Onehunga by -Davld Klng, Bollcrmaker Supervisor, Four Shipping Corporation seafreighters a m.v, \"Totara\". The \"Mark 2\" version is and Brlan Kelghly, Tormlnal Garage Super- were supplied to the Terminal for packing fitted with a rool which no doubt will add visor. Mark Moore, captain, and Paul Glassie by volunteer waterside workers and pack- represented Stores Dept. playing a social to the comfort of its equine occupants. 'a ing commenced at 0945 on Saturday rugby game against the Auckland Hospital A unitised method of waste disposal is morning. Lions Club volunteers trans- Laundry on July 17, 1977. The match was now thought to be in the works. On July 17, Mrs Shalnez All, wlfe of ported the fruit in cases from their various played at Victoria Park and was well Sheraj Ali, gave birth to thelr llrst chlld, 'dens' to the Terminal. attended by the Auckland Hospital Laundry a an 8lb. 6oz. daughter Sheereen Sheral All. The packing went on until 1700 and, supporters. Paul Glassie made a good Both parents emigrated from FIJI in 1974 such was the response of the people of break at one stage but Mark Moore wasn't The writer of these notes, in company and Sheraj Ali has worked in the Work- Auckland, that another seafreighter had there to support him. The final score was with colleagues from Auckland, Whan- shop as a Plumber since then. to be called into service. Three sea- U.S.S. Co. 8-A.H.L. 0. garei and Pacific lsland branches, spent freighters were packed for distribution in most of the morning of July 15 gazing the Christchurch area and two for the down at the North lsland from a height 29

T of 18,000 feet, courtesy of N.A.C., bound his contacts in Auckland weren't that good for Wellington to take part in the Man- apparently. We wish Bob well in the ln- agement Conference. lt seems that persis- dustrial Department in Wellington and we tent fog over Wellington (uncharacteristic, congratulate Allan on joining the elite band of course) refused to disperse by mid- of people who have transferred to lnver' morning, making an immediate return to cargill. Auckland necessary. The party finally made it to Rongotai and incarceration at a the James Cook Hotel, . conveniently featured on TV just the week before' All those who have visited the lnvercar- The return home was made Pleasant gill office will be delighted to know that with gifts from Auckland Branch, who gen- Marie has stopped all speculation by erously donated measured pencil holders announcing an imminent arrival in the to all and baseball type caps to the few Peterson household. who participated in the after-match function. a To any staff travelling in the Southland area we extend an invitation to drop in for a cup of coffee. We can offer many varied attractions worth a visit to South- land. Just ask Purser Mather of \"Union Rotorua\". He keeps coming back. Chief Officer Nick Miller ot \"Osa Ostend\" a with Branch Manager Allan \"Wilsons\" McDonald. The following five photographs from ln- vercargill and Bluff feature some of our Since the last report from this office, resident characters and a visitor. there have been several changes. Jean- Bill Dittord catching up on some sleep. ette McDonald has arrived to replace Janette Anderson. Jeanette has recently ti: returned from travelling to the U.K. and l*i Australia so, with all that and local know' Iedge, she should be a real asset to the office. ieg ;* a David Williamson returned from his honeymoon in Fiji looking none the worse for wear. I o The weather in sunnY Southland has been very mild. ln fact, if someone could arrange for a little of the northern rain to fall in Southland we would be very grate- ful. We were hopeful that Allan MacDon- ald, the replacement Shipping Manager for David Witliamson being his usual quiet selt. Wendy Ferguson talking to the phone. Bob Seamer, would have .organised it but Jeanette McDonald practising the can-can. T I

BLUFF Bluff was looklng a picture ln August with all the gorse' ln flower and some Iovely spring weather. We're not sure whether Bob Seamer took all the bad weather home to Wellington or if Allan McDonald brought the good with him from Auckland. Wendy Ferguson was heard to remark that lt's been marvellous since Allan's been here. We can only assume she referg to the weather. IROTUI IHE a ARCHIVES Bob Seamer was sent off in style by the Gear Store boys. Finno only needed a white shirt and black bow tie to look the part while serving up the seafood supper. Don and Lindsay showed off their skills This Heath Robinson place is, with the block and tackle and \"Buddah\" believe it or not, a radio room on Calder showed us another use for the table tennis table. an 'early' Union Company vessel, Obviously the Radio Operator slept on the job, as the bunk on the right a illustrates. Wendy Ferguson joined us in early August after eight years with the Port Employers Association. Some of the Water- siders must think she brought the Associa- tion with her, the number of visits we've been getting. She is certainly proving to be a rose between those two thorns in the office and, with her experience as Bluff Cub Leader, she'will be well equipped to keep the office and gear store in line. A Christchurch staff picnic at Quail lsland, Lyttelton Harbour, about 1937. At'the back (left) is a E. G. K. Meatyard, then Chief Officer, \"Wahine\"; centre back is Bill Ditfort, our \"gentleman\" farmer, the late Jack Squire, then Passen- brought the smiles back to his accoun- ger Manager, Christchurch. To the tant's face by taking a stroll through the right is lan Ferguson, Assistant bush up the back of his property and Purser; on the extreme right, the turning up a few more head of cattle and late Gwynne Dick, Purser; and in one particularly fine bull calf. the front, Max Gill, Assistant Pur- ser, all of \"Wahine\". It used to be said that \"it's a man's world\". Presumably that was the case in 1937 anyway, because no one has been able to tell us the identity of the four girls. 31

WAR IN IHE PACIFIC The second World War saw the utilisation of a great part of the Company's staff and equipment, some vessels, like the 7,527 lonne hospital ship '\"Maunganui\", seeing war ..*i\". for the second time in 20-odd years. \"Maunganui\" had served thr:oughout the first world war as a troop ship then, at the age of 30, was fitted out to Admiralty specifica- tions as a hosPital shiP' Another ship, the trans-Tasman liner \"Monowai\", was commissioned as a unit of the Royal New Zealand Navy on August 30,1940, and was employed mainly on convoy escort duties in the South Pacific. During that service, apart from steaming 140,000 miles in two and a half years, the vessel was engaged in action with a Japanese sub' marine a few miles from Suva on January 16, 1942' Towardstheendotlg42,Japanesesubmarinesbegantooperateontheeastcoast of Australia. A number of vessels were sunk or damaged. one of these was the small company vessel ,,Kalingo\". she was torpedoed and sunk a few hours after sailing from Sydney for New Zealand. ln these times, speed was an essential ingredlent and that made the \"Taroona\" a suitable vessel for the fast transport of troops from Queensland to Port Moresby, Milne Bay and other destinations in the South West Pacific Command. The \"Taroona\" was a turLine steamer al 4,297 tonnes owned by Tasmanian Steamers Proprietary Ltd., a \"Monowa[\" arriving in Weltington as an armed convoy escorf' subsidiary of Union Company and Huddart Parker Ltd. ln her service with the S'W' Pacific command, the vessel carried .approximately 100,000 troops on nearly 100 voyages to operational areas. One of the most unusual stories to come out of the Company's involvement in the Pacific was the unfortunate grounding on a coral reef of the motor vessel \"wanaka\"' It was indicative of the kind of public recognition given to the company's involve' This vessel was overtaken off the north-east coast of Queensland, not by an act of war, ment when, at the end of 1943, a substantial Christmas gift was made to the \"Matua's\" but by one of the worst cyclones on record. A number of the ship's company lost their companyandacommemorativeplaquewaspresentedtotheshipbytheGovernorof lives and it was feared in\"t tn\" ship would become a total loss' However, a mosl Fiji. difficult salvage operation was unde;taken by the Royal Australian Air Force which The cost of the war to the Union Company in lives and vessels emphasised the vital eventually refloated her and towed her to Sydney for repairs' importance of maritime communication, Merchant shipping had become one of the oneoftheconstantreminderstothepeopleofNewzealandofthewarwasthe ;iiil\"i; (eys ot strategy and made possibte the complex amphibious operations in the interruptions to the inter-island services due to the \"Wahine\" or \"Rangatira\" being Pacific. other company ships served and, llke the crack liner \"Awatea\", were lost in despatched to Fiji carrying troops. After the sinking ol the \"Niagara\" in June, 1940' other theatres of the war. a[ sailings from New zealand ports were suspended for some days by order ol the When the war ended in 1945, the Union Company had lost 10 ships totalling 59'075 Naval Authorities. When they were resumed, the inter-island express steamers made the Wellington-Lyttelton passage in daylight for some weeks' tonnes, which amounted to approximately 27 per cent of its pre'war tonnage'

Lett: gun practice. Right: troops disembarking trcm the \"Taroona\" at Wewak. Below: a Japanese \"Zeke\" being dis- charged trom \"Wahine\" at Auckland on October 20, 1945. .Rlght: wounded being embarked into the \"Maunganui\". Below: salt water showers tor the troops. r\\ 'q:--*'',

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