Captain Harry Daniel Scott passed away at his home in Lami at the age of 93. Captain Scott, according to an article published in this newspaper on Friday October 5, 1962, had spent the greater part of his life as master of vessels trading in the group and later as captain of the Government vessel, Adi Beti. For some years he had been living in retirement with his family at Lami. Even in his retirement years he had a good memory of his many voyages in and outside the group and his death removes one of the new remaining pioneers who can remember Cession and the early years of British administration in Fiji. Captain Scott had an adventurous career in sail and steam, and he sailed about Fiji in many well-known vessels which are now only a memory to his few living contemporaries. Like many other youngsters, he “ran away to sea”, but he was too young for such a life. Instead, he went to live at Bau with Ratu Epeli. Ratu Epeli was a son of Ratu Cakobau, and as there were many sailing canoes at Bau young Scott was in his element. Later he was sent to learn sailmaking at McGowan’s store at Levuka, and it was as a sailmaker that he eventually went to sea. His first ship was the Rockton, owned by the Union Steam Ship Co.
Sydney and Gilbertese
He worked for a while at Sydney as a sailmaker and then went to the Gilbert’s in the 1800-ton Seripa as a sailmaker. A good sailmaker in those days was always in demand. On the return trip he had his first experience of a bad hurricane at sea, the first of many. Off Funafuti the ship spent four tiring days, fighting it. On his return to Fiji he joined the Union Co’s ship, Maori, which he sailed under Captain Woolley, later Harbour Master at Suva. The Maori was a 900-ton vessel, and Captain Scott believed that she was the first vessel of that name owned by the company.
Two Certificates
After serving in the Maori he went up for his 50-ton Island certificate and later got his 100-ton certificate. He became master of the Conflenza, a name known throughout Fiji. Later, he was master of the Greyhound, when that very fine vessel went on Nasilai reef, the graveyard of several good ships. She went up very close to the point where the Syria was wrecked, where the lighthouse now stands. Nasilai also held more pleasant memories for Captain Scott. When in 1928, it was found that Albert Park was too small to take the Southern Cross off with a full load, Captain Scott was consulted about a likely beach. He at once recommended Nasilai and he took Kingsford Smith and Ulm round in the old Adi Beti.He was very pleased to meet James Warner and Harry Lyon when they called at Suva in 1958, and to recall the memorable take-off from the hard, firm sand of Nasilai.
