| Abstract: | DEATH OF A COLOURFUL SEAMAN
Captain James Patrick Mullins (76) who died in Auckland was described by the
Fiji Times as one of Fiji's most colourful sea captains. Captain Mullins who
was born in Wairoa, Hawke's Bay started his career in square-rigged sailing
ships and later was master of the Governor's ship PIONEER. He commanded HMS
VITI on her delivery voyage to Fiji, remaining as her wartime commander.
Captain Mullins served as assistant Harbourmaster in Suva, and became
principal of the Suva Rehabilitation Nautical School. He was awarded the OBE
in 1955. "Primarily a man of the sea, his immense interest in people gave
him an inquiring mind that made him both an indefatigable questioner and
the source of innumerable stories..." said a Fiji Times editorial. Captain
Mullins who was predeceased by his wife, was flown to Fiji for burial. |