SHIP’S OFFICER DEAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 731, 2 August 1929, Page 1

SHIP’S OFFICER DEAD

WIDELY KNOWN IN NEW ZEALAND CAPTAIN N. E. BOWER Well known in New Zealand shipping services, Captain Norman Elyott Bower has died at Ditchling, Sussex, England. News of his death was received in Auckland on July 29. pOR nearly 50 years he was a com- * mander and an officer of the New Zealand Shipping Company. Captain Bower was born at Tauranga in 1865, the son of Captain Maurice Bower, who was town clerk at Napier for many years. Captain flower went to sea from Napier in 1880, his first ship being the barque Waimea. From the start of his career at sea until his retirement some two years ago to reside at Ditchling. with the exception of a short. period as second officer In the Ducal Line, Captain Bower had been in the service of the New Zealand Shipping Comrising from apprentice to chief officer in sail, to commander in the company’s steamers. His last command was the Norfolk. During the time of his command he did not have a mishap with a steamer. He was continuously at sea and was in command during the whole of the war period. He received special recognition from interested for standing by the Port Hacking when it was in distress on a voyage from New i ork to Auckland in 1918. Cheeriness, tact and a keen sense of humour made aim a popular commanding officer. He was especially helpful to junior ofr.cers. To passengers he was particularly attentive. Ashore he made a large circle of friends. ® ower is survived by his widow and a son in England and a j ister in Hawke’s Bay. His death will © regretted in shipping circles.