MASTER MARINERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 425, 6 August 1928, Page 16

MASTER MARINERS

NEW ZEALAND COMPANY LAUNCHED IN DUNEDIN Launched recently at Dunedin, the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners has the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergusson, as its patron and the Rt. Hon Sir F. H. D. Bell as its vice-patron. The society will fill a like purpose to that of the British company, which has H.R.H. the Prince of Wales as Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet. The objects of the New Zealand company are to safeguard the interests of shipmasters in all professional affairs, to give assistance to visiting masters, to take action and give expression to the views of practical men on vital matters, to meet not less than once annually for social intercourse and to foster and maintain that robust spirit of loyalty to the Crown. Twenty-six master mariners were present at the inaugural dinner of the company held recently in Dunedin, Captain PL Fraser, superintendent of the Mercantile Marine at Dunedin, presiding. Captain N. Beaumont proposed the toast of “The Prince of Wales.’’ Captain J. W. King proposed the toast of “Our Guests,” coupled with the names of Captain Buxton, Captain Watson and Captain Barcham

Captain F. J. Duncan proposed the toast of “Absent Friends.” He said many of the shipmasters visiting Dunedin were interested in the new organisation, which would be the means of bringing the officers of the merchant service together. All these masters had pledged their support. The toast was responded to by Captain Clarke.

The toast of “The Merchant Service” was proposed by Captain L. M. Vipan. Captain Coll McDonald replied. He said it gave him great pleasure to be present at a function, the outcome of which, he hoped, would be the founding of an organisation which would be a credit to the masters ashore and afloat. The function had been promoted to celebrate the birth of a most important event, which, he hoped, would continue as a lasting benefit to’ the seafarer of the mercantile marine.