Holmlea’s Master Dies At Sea

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 1

Holmlea’s Master Dies At Sea

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 10. One of only two Maoris in New Zealand with master mariner’s certificates, Captain Albert Moko Moko, died at sea today. Aged 49, Captain Moko Moko apparently collapsed and died about 8 a.m. of a heart attack while his ship, the Holmlea, was in Cook Strait The Holmlea left Lyttelton at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday for Onehunga with general cargo. The Holmlea arrived in Wellington at 2.35 p.m. under the command of the mate, Mr F. Simpson, and Captain Moko Moko’s body was taken off. The ship continued to Onehunga at 6.10 p.m. under Holm and Company’s assistant marine superintendent. Captain R. Jackson, of Lyttelton, who flew to Wellington this afternoon. Captain Moko Moko was a full Maori, who had been at sea most of his life. He had

worked for Richardson and Company and the Northern Steamship Company before joining Holm and Company, Ltd., about 10 years ago. Captain Moko Moko had been a master for the company for about seven years. Apart from relieving duties, ' he had spent all his time in 1 the Holmlea. The managing-director of ! the company, Captain J. F. ; Holm, said tonight that Cap- . tain Moko Moko’s death had , been “quite a shock.” “He was both highly rei garded and well liked,” he - said. Captain Moko Moko’s home was in Auckland, and his body will be taken there for burial. He is survived by his wife and two sons. The other Maori master is Captain T. W. K. Whaitiri, of the Anchor Shipping and Foundry Company, Ltd. Captain Whaitiri commands the Totara, carrying coal and general cargo along the west coasts of both the North and the South Islands.