Our Big Ben

NZ Truth, Issue 1189, 13 September 1928, Page 6

Our Big Ben

THOSE who '"go down to % the sea m 1 . ships'' are mostly bluff and breezy like their every-day environment. There is about them an invigorating tang which is like a tonic to the landlubber. Ahfl those who deal. with ships at the shore-end seem to become inoculated with the same gloom- dispelling virus. Let an example -be presented .m the big, burly person of Ben. F. Gilmer, manager at Thames for the Northern Steamship Company. V '"'•'■_. It is thirty-sevjen years since a youthful Gilmer emptied his firts payenvelope, which is a pretty fair indication that he suits the company and the company. suits him;', Happy relations. Add that Gilmer suits. the sunny folk of Thames and its environs— and you have an" excellent recipe for the state of .mind which . induces content . and happiness. ._ ■•...•;. ••..-.. . . It is a Gilmerian theory that a smooth-running steamship service is not achieved by the;useof red-tape and by. irksome restrictions. Wise man.. These are'the days df searching competition. Travellers have the option of motor transport. But . the -water route to Auckland should retain a fair whack of patronage while B.G. is at the helm m Thames. And judging by present indications, there is no. reason why he should not top ft full balf-oentury o{ fiorvioa ;