Advice has been received in Auckland by cablegram of the death, as the result of a motor accident near Banff, Canada, of Mr John Tutanekai Bollons, eldest son of Captain John Bollons, of the Government steamer Tutanekai. Mr Bollons, who was a marine engineer went to Canada about three years ago to gain experience in hydro-electric work, and was employed by the Calgary Power Company. It was his intention to return to New Zealand shortly. Mr Bollons served with the New Zealand forces in France until the occupation of Cologne. -Wairarapa Daily Times, 11/8/1925.
VETERAN MARINER DEAD.
CAPTAIN JOHN BOLLONS.
LONG SEA SERVICE.
Flags flew at half-mast .on the Auckland waterfront to-day, signifying the death at Wellington last evening of Captain John Bollons, master of the Government steamer Tutanekai. Captain Bollons was one of the best known mariners on the New Zealand coast, and had a long association with the Government steamers Hinemoa and Tutanekai. When a lad he shipped on the barque England's Glory, and came to New Zealand. Then followed a strenuous life in various vessels trading in New Zealand waters. He was a member of the crew of a barque that was wrecked at the Bluff. After service with the Union Steam Ship Company he joined the Bluff pilot staff. He joined the Government steamer Hinemoa as second officer, and in turn rose to chief officer and finally to master. He was finally appointed master of the Tutanekai.
Captain Bollons had an exceptional knowledge of the South Pacific, and was an acknowledged authority on literature on the sea, the history of the Maori race, and the lives and habits of seabirds and marine animals. He made an extensive collection of birds' eggs and skins, representing all varieties from the Antarctic to the tropics. He collected seashells, and on his trips carried a small dredging plant that would work to a hundred fathoms. He also had a wonderful collection of Maori curios.
In 1893 Captain Bollons was on the Hinemoa when the crew of the British barque Spirit of the Dawn were rescued from the Antipodes Islands, and he also rescued the crew of the French ship Anjou after they had been 90 days on Auckland Island. A couple of years later he rescued members of the barque Dundonald wrecked on Disappointment Island. He was a staunch friend of the men in the New Zealand lighthouse service, and the visit of the Government steamer to those lonely outposts was always a welcome one. Captain Bollons was 67 years of age. He was married in 1890, his wife being a daughter of the late Captain J. C. Hunter, of Bluff. He leaves four sons, one the second engineer of the motor ship Maui Pomare, and four daughters. His eldest son died in Canada a few years ago. The funeral will take place at Bluff. -Auckland Star, 18/9/1929.
LATE CAPTAIN BOLLONS
MEMORIAL TABLET UNVEILED
"I feel it a great honour to have been asked to unveil and dedicate to the memory of Captain Bollons a memorial tablet in this church to-day," said the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) at All Saints' Church, Kilbirnie, yesterday morning on the occasion of the unveiling of a memorial to the late Captain John Peter Bollons, which had been erected by the officers and crew of his late ship, the Tutanekai. The officers and crew of the Tutanekai attended the service, which was appropriate to the occasion, and the large congregation included representatives of all walks of life.
Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson and General Sir Alexander Russell, K.C.M.G., accompanied the Governor-General. Among those present were Mrs. E. J. Seddon, Mr. G. C. Godfrey (Secretary Marine Department), Mr. B. W. Millier (Assistant Secretary Marine Department), Mr. A. D. Park (Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and formerly of the Marine Department), Mr. F. W. Furkert (Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department), Mr. P. V. Verschaffelt (Public Service Commissioner), Captain W. Wilcox (Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine), Captain G. P. Hall (Assistant Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine), Mr. W. A. Eraser (lighthouse expert), Mr. J. W. Mitchell, Mr. E. H. Field, Captain J. W. Burgess (master of the Tutanekai), and representatives of lighthouse keepers and ex-lighthouse keepers, with whom Captain Bollons was so intimately associated. There were also present Mrs. Bollons (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bollons (son), Mr. Desmond Bollons (son), and the late captain's four daughters.
Before unveiling the memorial tablet His Excellency gave a very short address, which he felt would be in keeping with Captain Bollons's wish.
"I think we may all thank God for having known him — for the example of his life, lived honorably, faithfully, and without reproach, and for the inspiration that comes to us from such a life," said Sir Charles.
"He was a man whose attributes would be very difficult to sum up in a few words. First of all, he was a great seaman. He was such a man, who in other days, might well have been an explorer as was Captain Cook. He was a man who loved the sea and everything connected with it. He read widely and had a wonderful store of knowledge. . . . He was a born scientist, and loved all Nature and everything pertaining to it.
"But what we most of all want to remember," continued Sir Charles, "is the personality of the man himself. He was simple, kindly, lovable, with high principles, integrity, and uprightness. His sense of duty with his frankness, and a love of truth, inspired with confidence all with whom he came into contact. All faces lightened up at the very sight of him. He brought sunshine with him, and his death brought sorrow to many hearts. He had been honoured by the King with the Imperial Service Order for faithful service — long days of faithful service to God, King, and country, and to his fellow-men. He leaves behind him a precious memory. I know his word to us would be simple and plain; — just carry on.''
At the conclusion of His Excellency's address Tennyson's beautiful poem, "Crossing the Bar," was rendered as a solo by Mr F. H. Porter. -Evening Post, 11/11/1929.
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