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26th July 2014, 10:43 AM
#11
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
Hi Lewis, I have brought up a thread started by Capt Kong called Pitcairns.
I think you may like it.
Richard
Our Ship was our Home
Our Shipmates our Family
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26th July 2014, 10:06 PM
#12
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
I was in Tahiti in May 1947 bought a grass skirt when i was there but left behind at a party never got it back .had a great time there .
The only thing the young apprentice fell down the hatch and was very badly injured
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27th July 2014, 12:12 PM
#13
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
Crikey Lou, I was there in mid February 1947 just into my first trip. I was still age 15. Hope the young apprentice recovered well.
This was taken about that time.
Richard
I bought a grass skirt too and gave it to my sister - Of course I've got a picture, I'll find it and put it on - this sight I mean!! R
Last edited by Richard Quartermaine; 27th July 2014 at 12:16 PM.
Our Ship was our Home
Our Shipmates our Family
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27th July 2014, 01:38 PM
#14
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
IAORANA ATOA ORUA. MEA MAITAI A NEI ORUA
For me, the name Tahiti has always had a fascination. and from being a young lad always wanted to go, must have been the film Mutiny on the Bounty, with Charles Laughton, [ I have the DVD ] wanting to know why men would mutiny, it must have been a paradise for them.
So I went and now I am a regular visitor with many Tahitian friends there.
These are some of the reasons I like Tahiti..................
Cheers
Brian
Last edited by Captain Kong; 27th July 2014 at 01:39 PM.
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27th July 2014, 11:01 PM
#15
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
Brian, and here on the wharf at Papeete watching the Eastward departure of the 'Johan Van Oldenbarneveldt' 50 years earlier. I can't even contemplate how my life would have evolved had I not spent the most formative part of it aboard ship and the craving for adventure that ruled my and my family's life thereafter. Bless the memory of that crew manager of Port Line Sydney who after a jolly lunch mistook me for someone else, didn't check my age and gave me a note to take to the chief steward of the 'Lowlander' at Wikham dock, Newcastle, NSW from where it all started.
Our Ship was our Home
Our Shipmates our Family
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27th July 2014, 11:30 PM
#16
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
Heck man some of you Guys sure have been around whilst in the Merc,I only wish as I have said in the past that I had used my loaf (did I have one lol) and stayed on a lot longer than I did!
Oh well all lost now!
But then I suppose I did have a different and exciting life at times!
Cheers
Senior Site Moderator-Member and Friend of this Website
R697530
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9th August 2014, 07:33 PM
#17
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
on my first time in papeete ,northern star early 1965 a passenger would'nt pay his taxi fare all hell broke out as i remember some of the ropes
were cut so the ship could sail. a fellow greaser was so badly beaten the following morning he was transfered to an american liner and taken back to NZ
The following trip the foreign legion were all along the quayside apart from that a great time was had by all?
terry calow
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10th August 2014, 01:36 AM
#18
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
Just to say a very quick thank you to Brian and Richard for the photos. I was on my way there in 1960 on the Southern Cross but got delayed for a couple of years in Trinidad.
R 627168 On all the Seas of all the World
There passes to and fro
Where the Ghostly Iceberg Travels
Or the spicy trade winds blow
A gaudy piece of bunting,a royal ruddy rag
The blossom of the Ocean Lanes
Great Britains Merchant Flag
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21st March 2017, 08:32 PM
#19
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
Hello all.
I Have always remembered the "onion beer" and Quinn's Bar. I think it was 1966 when I was on the Port Aukland that we called in to Papeete.
It all seemed fine while drinking it but when I got back to the ship and turned in, the cabin started to go round and round. I knew I would be in trouble
so I made my way to the bathroom and tried to liven myself up by washing my face in cold water. My legs went from under me and I hit my chin on the sink.
When I woke up I was looking up to the sink with blood coming from my chin. I still have the scar. The next day I could not get out of bed and it was the only time I missed a watch.
We went on to New Zealand and on the way back we stopped again at Papeete. I decided not to go ashore.
I have often mentioned Onion Beer to people over the years, but I don't think any of them believe me. I was pleased to see it on this website and was
able to show my son (he's 44) as he is into trying different "trendy" beers. I bet he has not tried one like us.
Regards to all.
Frank Thorp.
Engine room department 1964-1968.
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21st March 2017, 11:10 PM
#20
Re: Tahiti in the early 60's
re.Post 15. Richard.
Though never having seen the Ship. It was often mentioned ,in our Mess room Chat.
Apparently it was the vessel with the longest Name.
Such as ,going over the side,to re-paint its name. Would not be considered as 'A job and Finish " option.
Imagine ! JOHAN VAN OLDENBARNEVELDT
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