New Zealand Company of Master Mariners Information

On 11 August 1928 it was announced that the Company of Master Mariners had been formed and the Governor General, Sir Charles Fergusson, had kindly agreed to be Patron while Sir Francis Dillon Bell (Chairman of the Legislative Council) would be Vice Patron. The members of the interim committee were re-affirmed and Sir Charles Statham was happy to serve as President. A set of Rules was drawn up and the Objects were set out as follows:- (a) To watch over and safeguard the interests of shipmasters in all technical matters pertaining to their profession. (b) To afford advice, assistance, and aid to Master Mariners visiting New Zealand from overseas. (c) To take such action as may be deemed expedient to give expression to the reasoned views and opinions of practical men on vital matters connected with the sea. (d) To meet not less than once annually for social intercourse and exchange of views. (e) To foster and maintain that robust spirit of loyalty to the Crown and person of the Sovereign which has always been an inherent trait of the British Master Mariner.