The NCT Story

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The Saga of the TETI-N by Bee Cee Kay

Our efforts and work did the Captain amaze. On a dull, dirty day, in the fog and the rain, The TETI left port, bound for Huelva in Spain. We wished her good luck, and a pleasant trip, Oh, we were proud of that log-carrying ship! Then Doug and Dave, those two again, Flew back to that lovely harbour in Spain. Armed with long tapes, and ball pointed pen, They awaited the arrival of the TETI-N. With bunting and flags, of that ever proud nation, The Mayor and crowds were to sing an ovation. Then a groan and a hush, and heart-beat cut short, The ship was too deep to enter the port! With bated breath and hearts in mouth, We looked for ports in the north and south. With everyone here in a sweat and a tizz, They diverted the ship to the port of Cadiz. So Doug and Dave, those two again, Came back from that shallow harbour in Spain. McLeod was sent over, his first name is Ken, To organise the offloading of the TETI-N. The work of offloading was begun by the Dons, But no more was done than a few hundred tons. Second day was much better, we were filled with new hope, Only to be dashed, by the death of the Pope. Three days of mourning in Spain was decreed, This was a blow to the offloading speed. Ken waited around and the harder he tried, No work is done when a Pope has died. Meetings were held by John’s gang on the Board But Rands and Dollars for demurrage just soared.

Through Doug and Dave, those two again, An order for Gum, to be shipped through to Spain. We knew that to export with dangers is fraught, But we took it on, with Huelva the port. So Derek and Brian, with the help of Steve, (The latter was forced to give up his leave) Started the search, for gum six weeks old, Sure to be free of Bark, Beetles and Mould. From the Midlands and north, from the east to the west, Our search was not long and we picked out the best. Stack the poles on your station, our growers were told, But be sure they are free of Bark, Beetles and Mould. Ken, Tony and John, amongst their various chores, Were to gather the best of the stevedores. To charter a ship, whether Chinese or Greek, With details of draught, by the end of the week. Along came agents, with tongue in the cheek, A ship they had found, the owner a Greek. When loaded with poles she’d draw twenty-three feet, So the depth at Huelva they would easily meet. The vessel was trim, from the stern to the tip, And the words TETI-N was the name of the ship. So the charters and bills and all papers were signed,

A happier group you never could find. All growers were told, with no hesitation, To load all the trucks, parked at their station, And be railed to Durban to stand at Shed N, And be loaded forthwith, on the TETI-N. And load her we did, without breaking a neck, Filled all the holds, then we started on deck. Nine thousand tons, in just seven days,

The ship was too deep to enter the port

The NCT Story

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