or other fishing methods from fishing trawlers. Can you help? Please contact via email Robbie Verkamman, verkammanr@zeelandnet.nl
OLD STEAMERS Dear Sir
I was pleased to read in the latest Professional Skipper September/October 2012, the story on the TSS Earnslaw being a century old this coming October.
New Zealand has only three coal fired steamers left in operation today, being the steam tug Lyttelton, 105 years old, the TSS Earnslaw, 100 years old, and the steam tug William C Daldy, 77 years old. These ships must all be kept preserved and in operating condition as long as possible. It was great to see TSS Earnslaw have her 100 year refit that will preserve her heritage for many years to come. Well done Real Journeys Ltd, something you can be proud of. The TSS Earnslaw is more fortunate than the steam tugs Lyttelton and William C Daldy, as her life is on fresh water. The other two lives are on seawater, which is so unforgiving on steel hulls. I have only been on TSS Earnslaw twice in my lifetime. The first was November 1958, I was on a South Island tour. The ship was 46 then and I was only 18. It seemed old to me then. Back in those days the day cruise was from Queenstown to the head of Lake Glenorchy. It was the only service for those that lived at Glenorchy as the road from Queenstown to Glenorchy was not opened until 1963.
One of the things that has stuck in my mind was on the cruise back to Queenstown in the afternoon. We shared the trip with about 100 sheep and a horse, of course they were in pens on board, but the smell was not. The second time I was on the TSS Earnslaw was October 1973. She had not long had a refit that time and looked good. She did not carry any more animal cargo by this time in her life, and was just a tourist cruise ship on Lake Wakatipu. Her main cruise today is Queenstown to Walter Peak Station. I have only seen the steam tug Lyttelton tied up at the wharf at Lyttelton so I can not comment on her.
The third steam ship I would like to mention is the William C Daldy. Now based at Hobson West Wharf Viaduct Harbour, Auckland. I have been involved with this steam tug for some 30 years in veering ways. Unlike the TSS Earnslaw which is a commercial enterprise, the steam tugs Lyttelton and William C Daldy are both run by preservation societies.
Each does a wonderful job with volunteer members and crew to keep the steam era alive.
One can get tremendous satisfaction and enjoyment in becoming a member of either of these preservation societies at a nominal annual membership fee. Trades and skilled people are always welcome, but if you think you do not have any skills there will always be something you can do, so no experience is necessary. Men and women and young people can join so it can be something for a husband and wife and family to do together. You will have the satisfaction of helping preserve the heritage of two wonderful old steam tugs for future generations to come. So whether you are young or old or just middle aged, become a member, do as much as you like or as little, every little bit helps. If you are interested in making new friends and contributing some of your time to yesteryear and the heritage of these old ships, you will find details to become a member of these societies in Professional Skipper magazine September/ October 2012 pages 58 and 72. You will not be disappointed in your decision to become a member of these preservation societies. See you there.
John Hunter, Papakura November/December 2012 Professional Skipper 7
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