Holmglen by Fred Abernathy

Fred Abernathy, former engineer aboard the Holmglen, recounts lesser-known stories of the ship, prior to her sinking in 1959. The recording begins with Fred remembering old shipmates such as the "rat catcher" (Barney Daniels).

It then restarts with the story of the Holmglen.

• Arrived in Wellington, 1932, to replace the steamer "Progress" (lost her propeller in the Cooks Straight and blown onto the rocks after refusing help from passing ships).
• Argnus (later Holmglen) took 7 months to arrive in New Zealand. Recalls it was an ugly-looking ship.
• An unusual diesel engine with less horsepower than the tonnage it could carry and a reputation of just going with the wind when it blew too strong.
• Recalls serving with Don Munroe when the ship was hit by a hurricane and nearly had to run the Holmglen onto a beach.
• Recalls another incident near Akaroa where the Holmglen had run aground in a cave.
• Describes another trip where an explosion occurred in the engine room while on the Cooks Straight.
  
  After the War, new engines were put in that greatly improved the ship. It was sold to Sydney where, as the Vielle Star it broke down and Fred was called out to look at it. He stayed with the ship for 18 months. Continues with other stories from that time. Ends with a poem.
  
  Interviewed by Helen (and Scotty)