CAPTAIN'S PRAISE FOR NEW ZEALAND CREW

Chronicle (Levin), 19 August 1948, Page 6

CAPTAIN'S PRAISE FOR NEW ZEALAND CREW

v AUCKLAND, August 18. Warm praise for liis crew was expressed by* the Pamir 's master in an Lntei view. ' ' The Bi'itisli people, impressed with Ihe abilit.v of foreigiiers to handle ships, liave heen taught to expect that it is beyond the capabilities of tlieir own nationals to do sucli worlc," said Captain Collier. " Wlien sonte Trinity Hou.se pilots were waiting in tlieir cutteV for our arrival in England, they discussed the language which would be spokeu 011 the ship. They did not appreciate that there were still British l>eoj)]e capable of doing what others are doing and usually doing it a iittle bit better. " t It liad now been proved that New Zealand seamen, as seamen and as individuals asliore, were equal of any. commented Captain Collier. Tlieir goo*i liome life and background stood them well. Oue of the linest tributes had beon paid hy(tlie i.s}qipri/aej//lent .pf.tlie P.oct of London Au.thority police who, before the Pamir'fi departure from Shadweli Basin on tlie Thames, said: "We are proud to liave had vour crew in London. They liave never given us a moment 's worry. ' ' "At 110 moment in tlie wholc round voyage has an order not been executed with alacrity, eheerfulness and ability, " said Captain Collier. "Never in niv two vears with the ship- have. I'.llad ib admonish a Jad. '^rhey -ard an average. cross-section of tlie product of our New Zealand schools.."