On The Bridge

NZ Truth, Issue 1152, 29 December 1927, Page 4

On The Bridge

NEW ZEALAND lost one of its best seamen when Reginald Baigent,

one of the most widely known and capable officers on the coast, left these shores to seek further success in Australia.

A Nelson boy, this past-master in the gentle art of navigation heard the call of the sea at an early age. In the hard life of a training ship, he kept abreast with the best and succeeded in obtaining his officer's tickets without having to go back to the examiners a second time.

When the war came, the Navy needed Reg. He was given a commission and served on all types of craft, both on and under the surface, his star line being navigating officer of submarines.

For a space, Baigent had charge of the ferries which streak across Wellington's harbors. Even the good citiaens of Rona Bay forgot how the s.s. "Muritai" set back the exchequer when — on a warm summer's morning- — she glided to the wharf, her brasswork glittering, her decks like snow and Baigent in his immaculate uniform.

Yearning for deep water again — and what sailor doesn't, .even when he has a comfortable shore job? — Baigent went Home, returning to New Zealand US one Of the officers of that fine, last little steamer, the s.s. "Tamahine," now engaged in the run from Wellington to Picton. He was in this position long enough to make countless friends.