Homeward Bound Around the Horn

"Homeward Bound Around the Horn" is a New Zealand Broadcasting Service radio programme on the four-masted barque 'Pamir', which, at the time of recording, is about to embark from Wellington on a journey to London, laden with goods for Britain [probably the trip which left Wellington in October 1947].

The programme consists of music, narration, dramatisations, commentary, field recordings and interviews. Narration is by Bill Merritt.

There is a spoken introduction, followed by recordings made as the ship is at wharf in Wellington [the interviewer is possibly broadcaster Arch Curry].

There is an interview with Norman Thomas, a local yachtsman who recently sailed the "Ilex" to Australia. After a short dramatised segment, Captain H. Collier is interviewed about the upcoming trip around Cape Horn, and his New Zealand crew. Mrs Collier, who is accompanying her husband, is also interviewed. This will be the first time she has returned to Britain since she left 27 years ago.

Captain Collier then introduces the youngest member of the crew, 16 year old Geoff Stichbury of Auckland, who has just left Mt Albert Grammar School. His sister is a well-known swimmer.

The unidentified ship's cook, who is known as "the Doctor" is interviewed. He talks about a typical meal on board. He has been a ship's cook since 1923, but was recently a Sergeant-major in the 27 Machine Gun Battalion. He gives some details of his war service.

Viscount Traprain, known as Gerald Balfour [the eldest son of the Earl of Balfour], is one of the few Englishmen on the crew. He is interviewed briefly.

Another dramatisation of "the voice of Pamir" follows, with the ship describing the passage around Cape Horn.

The programme ends with commentary from Beacon Hill, Wellington [by Arch Curry] as the Pamir departs under sail.