BRANCH REPORTS
Two Bosuns retire in one month
Whangarei By Ben Hathaway The port is very busy with logs but not worked by union members. Union wise we have been very active with Kiwifruit, Triboard and Fertilizer. We seem to have an over abundance of stevedoring companies all vying for diminishing breakbulk cargo and using non union labour which is a major concern. We are ever optimistic due to the continuing development of the port.
by Tony Mowbray #1154 Kaitaki After 50 years membership firstly the Federated Seaman’s Union of New Zealand, then the New Zealand Seamans’ Union, the New Zealand Seafarers’ Union and finally the Maritime Union of New Zealand, Alex MacDonald is finally calling it a day. Alex attended the Prince of Wales Sea School and from there joined his first ship, the Orient Lines “Orion” in June 1957. He came out to New Zealand in 1961. In all he has had a total of 54 ½ years continuous sea service – over half a century. At the time of his retirement Alex was the Bosun of the Kaitaki “A” gang, being on the delivery run to her subsequent service on Cook Strait since August 2005. From all of us onboard, Alex we wish you all the best for your retirement. On the same note, on the same ship and from the same gang, the Night Bosun Dennis Ivil also retired two cycles beforehand. Dennis started as a Vindi boy and joined Interislander on the fast ferries in 2000, calling it a day on the Kaitaki in November 2011. All the best to you also Dennis.
Alex MacDonald (left) with Staggs onboard Kaitiaki
Timaru By Tony Townshend Southern Cross Stevedores have been working fish boats and fertilizer in Timaru, and have been working in Lyttelton and Port Chalmers on logs. ISO have been regularly working over the last few months on log ships which is a concern as always.
Dennis Ivil at the ‘Breakfast Creek’ drydock 2010
Maritime Union of New Zealand national executive and observers, Waterside House, Wellington, 2 November 2011 26 | The Maritimes | Summer 2011/2012
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