Reminiscing

[Bluey Holland]

I joined the New York Star in July 1966 after completing my apprenticeship with the Victorian Railways.
A couple of weeks prior I had been in Sydney trying to find a company to get away with. In those days one could visit the companies, speak with the receptionist and then get in to speak with the superintendent. I was lucky enough to get to see Mr Tony Smith in Sydney, was ushered in to his office, I think his secretary after getting me a cup of tea, locked the door on the way out. Mr smith informed me that Blue Star was not, at that time taking on Junior Engineers, but he did take time to chat. After being around various shipping company offices in Sydney I returned to Melbourne, was not home a couple of days, when I received a telegram to join the New York Star as 5th Engineer the following week. Did not even have time to give 2 weeks notice from the railways. Rushed around to get a uniform made up, a couple of white boiler suits and joined the New York Star on July 7th 1966.
To be continued.