MARINER’S DEATH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 771, 18 September 1929, Page 1

MARINER’S DEATH

CAPT. JOHN BOLLONS

FINE RECORD OF SERVICE The death of Captain John Bollons. I master of the Government steamer t Tutanekai, in a private hospital in j Wellington last night, removes one of j the most popular and esteemed fig- j ures, not only in the Government ser- i vice, but in shipping circles through- i out New Zealand. Captain Bollons, i who was 67 years of age, died after ; a brief illness. If there was one man In the Do- i minion who knew* everything about | the New Zealand coast and the South Seas, he was Captain Bollons. For j 36 years he piloted the Government supply steamers through storm and calm to the outlying lighthouses in the j paths of ships, and to the food depots of Auckland, Bounty, Campbell, Antipodes, Kermadec, and other Pacific islands. The data he has collected during these periodical visits has gained him recognition as an authority on the New Zealand coastline. CALL OF THE SEA A native of London, Captain Bollons was born in 1862. At the age of 14 he found the call of the sea irresistible. His early apprenticeship consisted of serving five years before the mast. By chance Captain Bollons came to make his home in New Zealand, for when making his first voyage to this country, in 1881, the barque on which, ha was serving-. England’s Glory, was wrecked in Foveaux Strait. Engagements on coastal steamers followed in the first few years after his eventful arrival in the Dominion, until 1893, when Captain Bollons entered the Government service. Later he was appointed acting-second mate off the revenue schooner Kokeno, which was engaged in protecting the sealing grounds off the coast of the South Island.

Captain Bollons’s knowledge and ability were recognised by his appointment as master of the Stella, formerly the Governor-General’s yacht. The beautiful steamer Hinemoa, which commenced the periodical service tours to the New Zealand and island lighthouses, was Captain Bollons’s next command, he being associated with this vessel for 28 years.

With the coming s of the Tutanekai to replace The* Hiiremoa, this vessel was given to his charge', and he retained it until his death. lie wus only recently in Auckland after completing a visit to the Northern lighthouses, and was taken ill at sea on the trip down to Wellington. .He entered a private hospital and was a patient for about a fortnight before his death. During the course of his duties Captain Bollons rendered valuable service to navigation by locating uncharted rocks and shoals that were a danger to shipping trading along the coast. STUDENT OF MAORI RACE A student of the Maori race and its origin. Captain Bollons was an enthusiastic collector of Maori curios and during his travels he acquired a wonderful knowledge of Maori lore and legend. He combined this with the pleasure he derived from his hobby of collecting New Zealand sea shells, and sea birds’ eggs, of which he possessed an extraordinary knowledge. He was a frequent contributor to New Zealand museums of outstanding marine species, and his own museum of sea birds’ eggs and shells is remarkable. A true son of the sea, breezy in manner, Captain Bollons possessed a personality that never failed to evoke admiration. He had a deeply sympathetic nature that prompted him to perform many acts of kindness to others less fortunate than himself. Captain Bollons married Miss Lilian Hunter, second daughter of the late Captain J. C. Hunter, in 1896. He is survived by his widow and three sons and four daughters. The eldest son was killed in a motor accident four years ago. The second son, Mr. T. T Bollons, is second engineer of the Maui Pomare. Captain Bollons is to be interred at the Bluff. The honour of Companion of the Imperial Service Order was conferred on him in the King’s Birthday honours last year. All ships in the Auckland Harbour, j shipping office and harbourmaster’s j offices had their flags flying at halfi mast yesterday as mark of respect.