Manz run

[Roger Dyer]

Hello again Jan,

To suggest that my 'rationale' implied that two trips on the same ship to the same port was what I considered a 'double-header' is misleading. Please understand that in my posts when referring to the M.A.N.Z. run, I speak of a recognised 'regular' trade between the North American (incl. Canada) east coast ports and ports in Australia and N.Z. Companies such as Port Line, N.Z.S.C. (and Federal Steam), Shaw Savill and others, had ships regularly engaged in that trade which distinguished them from trampships say (not that I seek to belittle trampships, far from it).

Rightly or wrongly, in Port Line crew terminology at the time any vessel completing two 'loops' from the northern hemisphere to the antipodes (e.g. U.K - N.Z.- U.S./Canada - Australia - U.S./Canada, or U.S./Canada - Australia - U.S./Canada - Australia - U.K. or something similar) before paying-off was deemed to have completed a 'double-header'. This would be different from the ship that e.g. went from U.K.- N.Z. - U.S./Canada - U.K. which would have been seen as a single round-trip.

Jan, obviously this does not meet with your understanding of the term 'double-header' and I accept that, however, before our shipmates label us a pair of pedantic old bu---rs, perhaps we should agree to differ on this one, mate.

........................regards, Roger.

[Lawrence Parsons]

Hi Alex,

I'm thinking that your mate could be right. As a general rule the Manz Run lasted about a year, sometimes a little less than that, sometimes a little more and your own time on the Port Fairy would fit into those parameters. My own experience is a prime example of what constituted a Manz Run.

In December, 1957, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I signed on the Port Huon as J.O.S. From the Tyne we went to Antwerp and back to London before going down to N.Z.(via Panama and a brief courtesy stop off Pitcairn Island). After about four months round the Kiwi coast, discharge and load, we went back through the Panama Canal to La Guaria, Venezuela, then to New York, Philadelphia, Newport News and Savannah. Then it was back through the P.C. and down to Australia where we did the regulation three or four months round the coast. Finally, via Panama, went to Kingston, Jamaica, before moving on to Boston, Mass., where a new crew was waiting to relieve us. Those wishing to re-sign fresh articles were given the opportunity, but with Xmas three days away most of us elected to pay-off and were flown home to London. It was my understanding that Port Line's policy at the time was to relieve a crew once they had completed a double-header. Whether other companies engaged in that trade, like N.Z.S.C. and Shaw Savill etc., adopted a similar practice I couldn't say, but I'm inclined to think so.

Alex,I hope that this has been of some assistance to you.


................................cheers, Roger.

Hi Roger,
Were you an ex "Are" boy? I seem to remember the name.
I left the Arethusa in June 1956 to join the Port Fairy.
Sailed on a few port ships after that until 1960.To name a few: Pt Nelson, Huron, Wellington, Brisbane,, Invercargill, Quebec.
Regards Lawrence[Tony]Parsons

[Roger Dyer]

Hi Tony,

There's nothing wrong with your memory, old son, I am indeed an ex-'Are' boy and unashamedly proud of it. At the risk of ruffling the feathers of fellow shipmates here, I think, as young lads we experienced a training regimen few other establishments come close to, but looking back I have no regrets.

Tony, I must apologise, I'm trying to put a face to your name, but understandably, perhaps, after 56 years it isn't easy, I'm just delighted to make contact with an old shipmate (I hope I don't owe you any money ). Did you go by the name of Tony or Lawrie in those days ? I joined the 'Are' in January, 1955, No.123, Mess 13, TP.ST. I left in May, 1956, hoping to gain an engineering cadetship. I struggled to study in order to gain the necessary level in Maths until, finally, I realised that I was wasting everybody's time as well as my own. In desperation I contacted Commander England ( that kindly man in Shaftesbury Avenue, remember him?) and he got me away to sea as a deck-boy on the Port Hobart in May, 1957. Best thing I ever did other than meeting my dear wife (she was looking over my shoulder just then)

Perhaps, we can expand on this by exchanging P.M's ? It would be good if you have an old 'pic' or can relate an incident that might jog my memory - it's just old age, mate, that's all. Anyway, Tony, great to hear from you and welcome aboard, mate, they're a good crowd on here

..............................best regards, Roger

[Lawrence Parsons]

Thanks for the prompt answer Roger.I'm glad my memory is'nt as bad as I thaught.
I started out in top port as number 146 in 1954 on the Arethusa, and ended up as P.O.
of top starboard before leaving for MN in June 1956.
I agree with you, our training left us in good stead for our sea expearience.
I will have to look up my photo's to see if I have any from back then.
By-the-way the other lads called me POP[Petty Officer Parsons]when I was with top starboard.
I did'nt go by Tony until I joined the MN[Tony is my middle name]. Other names I remember on the ARE.
are Jock Mitten, Phillips, Roger Walten, and I'm sure others will come to me if I think long enough.

[Lawrence Parsons]

Hi Roger,
Would you like to try email. If so mine is : It might be easier for me to send photo's as I am not completely computer literate.
Regards Lawrence[Tony]

[Roger Dyer]

Tony,

Following your advice have sent you an email a few moments ago. You may wish to erase your email address in your previous post ?, but it's a matter for yourself of course.

......Roger.

[Lawrence Parsons]

Thanks Roger will do
Tony

[David Benge]

Alex David Benge ( Ozzie) here I was the Peggy on that voyage with you in the Fo'castle Willie Davidson Charlie Brown (Peanuts) Dave Walker to name a few.
The rest are a blur except for Mc Leod and the other Scot Davidson.
Please emial me
Dave Benge The Peggy. Voyage 69 MANX Run 62-63

[David Benge]

I have managed to be in contact with Alex MacDonald at last after almost 50 years Thanks every one Now all we have to do is find the rest of the Focastle. For they who have no idea , we actually lived in the Focastle & I as a 16YO Peggy will never forget hauling the meals from the galley midships, for'ard in all kinds of bad weather and mostly good but can also never for get the smell of a dead whale wrapped around the bows.
Interesting days. I would do it again in a heartbeat. What a great crew on deck.
Dave Benge Newcastle Australia.

[David Benge]

This few weeks has been a weird occasion to say the lease I wrote a book some 10 tears ago Called The Peggy but never published it Now in the past ten days I have met three "Deckies" off Voyage 69 on the Port fairy. Alan Lomand Dundee & Alex Macdonald Kenny Ruffles the Galley Boy from Ukfield Sussex.
What small world we live in.
Also I am off to Port Fairy in Victoria the Naming town, on Wednesday I shall post what ever when Ireturn Should be interesting indeed.
This trip has been in the pipeline for some time in fact it was in my Bucket list when I was in Hospital with throat cancer Too many woodbines!! More likely Agent Orange.
Happy Christmas/Users/david/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2007/My Pictures/mv port fairy.jpg