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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Captain John Anderson

Captain John Anderson , sometime Master of the Union Steam Ship Company's s.s. “Waikare,” was at the time of his death one of the oldest servants in that company's service. He went to sea at the early age of twelve and a half years, and was indentured in May, 1853. On completing his apprenticeship, and having made a voyage to St. John's. New Brunswick, Mr. Anderson joined the Black Ball line, in which he made several trips to America and Australia, and afterwards in various lines to India. He subsequently came out to Wellington, New Zealand, as a passenger in the s.s. “Airedale,” and shortly after his arrival joined the Pilot service at Port Nicholson, where he remained for several years. Mr. Anderson then joined the s.s. “Wellington,” under Captain Carey, and three months later was appointed chief officer of the s.s. “Taranaki,” which had been taken over by the then recently formed Union Steam Ship Company, in the service of which Captain Anderson remained over twenty years, until, in fact, death surprised him early in 1898, in consequence of an accident which he encountered while in the discharge of his duties, and which formed the subject of official enquiry. During his period of service he commanded such interprovincial steamers as the s.s. “Wellington,” “Lady Bird,” “Waitaki,” “Wanaka,” “Tairoa,” “Taranaki,” “Penguin,” and “Rotoroa.” He was then transferred to the command of intercolonial steamers, and was successively in charge of the “Hauroto,” “Tekapo,” “Waihora,” “Manapouri,” and lastly the magnificent “Waikare.” Captain Anderson was well known for his kindly and generous disposition, as well as for his skill and carefulness as a navigator. When the news of his death became known, genuine regret was felt by the community at large, and flags were lowered half mast in the various centres of the Colony, in honour of the memory of an efficient and popular officer.

The late Captain J. Anderson.

The late Captain J. Anderson.