We did this

[Michael J Turner]

The amount of dunnage that we used to throw over the wall between ports would have probably been enough to build a small town. There was a lot of good timber went over, hope somebody got to use it when it was washed up.
Regards Michael

In the 60's Kiwi bound we cleaned out the hatches outward bound started dumping the dunnage overboard only a couple went before we stopped the rest 4 more hatches all had to be made into bundles with old strops. Approaching Pitcairn Island with the Royal Mail told to remove hatch covers and top derricks as we hove to all these boats appeared we lifted the dunnage swung it outboard and cut the strop and then it was on for young and old even the Mail man got ito the fight this lasted about an hour before we finished dumping the rubbish. Oars, fists, hooks, women's nails hair pulled the yelling and screaming was shocking all of a sudden it stopped about 15min before sunset then they started singing "Now is the Hour" in their pidgin English as we left absolutely beautiful I will never forget it one minute mayhem the next moment Tropical Paradise that you dream of.

[John Arton]

You would think that in places such as Saudi and other similar countries where there is an abundance of sand but a shortage of trees, they would be grateful to receive, for free, a load of clean, quality wooden dunnage but no. After discharging steel pipes, loaded in Panama city, Florida, and discharged in Al jubail, we were left with mountains of dunnage left from the American stevedores going over the top when tomming off the stow to take into account the slope of the ballast tanks on a geared bulker I was mate on.
No way would they accept it so around 50 tons of good quality timber was dumped at sea on the next voyage in ballast to Richards bay and port Elizabeth where we loaded bulk cargo for discharge in Dunkerque and Denmark.
Rgds
J.A.

[Ivan Cloherty]

#44 John, we would have taken it because we know the value of money, having lived in Dubai, visited Saudi, their mentality was quite different, money was no object for themselves, they had it in abundance, the stories you may of heard that if their new car breaks down, they just abandon it and buy a new one, are quite true. Doesn't mean to say anyone can collect the abandoned car, you'd find yourself in jail. If you hit a wild camel on a desert road, it suddenly becomes some goat herders prize racing camel and you are sued (That is if you survive half a ton of camel falling on you) the buggers are very difficult to see at night when following truck tracks in the sand, there was no road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in my tenure.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Had a young bloke on TV in Aus trying to get people to do the right thing, in one episode he had a Melbourne tram full of empty latte cups, driving through the city, he was calling out to people to bring their own cups for coffee, to save the planet, he also rolled a huge ball of waste up to parliament House to try an gee up the politicians to no avail. The best was, when a super market said they recycled all their waste, he put a tracker in one of the bags of plastic that he deposited in their bins, later tracked it to a council tip.
Des

[happy daze john in oz]

One way plastic bags were banned here two years ago.
You must now all use Green ones or buy the new super tough ones from the shop for 15 cents.

Well we must save the planet came the cry, but wait, those one way bags would disintegrate within six months if left in the sun, the new tough ones will go on for years, go on to rubbish sites, water ways and all manner of other places.

Yes said the retail market, but we will jointly save $3billion a year by not supplying free ones and selling the new ones.
That is our contribution to reducing global warming, while at the same time warming the pockets of our share holders.

But wait there is more, we will now use computers and printers to save on paper, cut down fewer trees, well why do we still get so many pieces of crap through the mail, why do companies still print invoices for those who want them.
Yes we are using more paper but we are planting more trees.
By doing this we are buying carbon credits, and as long as we continue to but them then we can continue in the same way and pass on the extra cost to the customer.

Meanwhile back at the ranch the clever ones find some bags from other sources, we have a dozen or so given out by the air lines and cruise companies for FREE, so such it up retailers.

[happy daze john in oz]

#26 Ivan mentioned the Womens institute in another thread! ( Covid vacs)The one where you suggested to close the thread only to continue it on. Can't have it both ways. These ladies CWA out here do far more than make tea and scones. They are a powerful lobby group within the Govt. ( all of whom probably have had their covid vacs) who have brought about social and environmental changes in the society out here. That would also include pollution.
Maybe that clears things up

Victoria, the CWA as we know it here in Oz is unique to us.
Yes there are many similar bodies in other countries but not to the extent of here.
They began life in the early days when life was very different to now, often worked along side the men in the fields, with the animals and so many other tasks thta the average female would shy at.

Unless you have seen it here in Oz I doubt if those overseas would understand.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Unless you have seen it here in Oz I doubt if those overseas would understand.

Getting more Americanised by the minute John, it used to be 'Only in America' now it seems they have a contender with 'only in Australia'

[j.sabourn]

My wife has been a member of CWA for nigh on 30 years , and previous in UK a member of the Townswomens Guild. Both are very similar women’s movements as far as I know. However to be President of he CWA you have. To be a Farmer or the wife of a farmer. As to any further info. A member would be the person to answer any queries being the husband of a member I just tag along as required . And who knows what the girls get up to. They do well in the cooking side though I must admit. Maybe that’s where Den learned his culinary arts. JS

[Michael Black]

A concern nowadays about timber used for securing cargo is the importation of any infested wood. I can remember emptying some containers which had come from China, the wood inside had to be burnt.
Regards Michael

[happy daze john in oz]

Victoria, happy birthday young lady.

Now being on that ferry does give you special rights because what I have seen of it when in Port Melbourne you have to be either very special or just a touch of madness to travel on it.

The wonders of that crossing on a stormy night, sitting in one of the sleeping chairs, must be very different.

But please do not fret yourself on this special day for you, enjoy and do not worry about 'other' members, just keep smiling.