Interview with Ian Farquharson

Ian Farquharson was born in Dunedin in 1923. Discusses father's posting to Hastings with police force in 1929 and education in Hastings and Napier. Talks about the outbreak of World War II while at high school, attempts to join the Army and apprenticeship in fitting and turning with the Napier Harbour Board. Recalls decision to join Merchant Navy and finding a post. Names troopship the Dominion Monarch as his first ship under Chief Gibson, which he joined in 1945 as a junior engineer. Outlines wage scales and danger money at sea. Recounts route to New York and arriving in Liverpool two days before VE Day. Describes the celebrations.

Outlines further voyages carrying troops and civilian passengers between New Zealand and England. Describes the Dominion Monarch including her size, speed, Doxford engines, repairs and maintenance and his duties. Details further study gaining seconds tickets, chief engineers certificate and chief engineers certificates of competency in diesel and steam. Mentions classmate George Gunn from Tyneside. Describes meeting and courting wife while in England. Talks of time with Shaw Savill Co. on the Coptic and joining British Tankers in the late 1940's. Names further ships the British Realm, the British Ensign, the British Liberty and the Hope Crown.

Outlines marriage in 1950, emigration to New Zealand and employment as an engineer and engineer surveyor in Wellington and Dunedin.

Interviewer(s) - Stan Kirkpatrick

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 50 Minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4449.

Search dates: 1994

Alternative form available: Listening copy is available at OHLCD-2275