Gone, but never forgotten 18 October 2007 | 12:53PM
SIR
It's good to see someone took the initiative to comment on the last days of Darling Harbour (“Darling bids fond farewell”, Sam Collyer, Lloyd's List DCN October 5).
I can't believe a site with so much history just shuts down and slips into oblivion. I've grown up in the shipping industry, starting with McArthur Shipping in 1976 and working with numerous lines in many capacities over the years.
My father was a wharfie and my first visit to the Hungry Mile was in 1963 when I was five years old.
I went on board and sat in the galley while Dad loaded cargo into the holds.
This was back when goods were slung out onto the wharf. The wharfies worked their collective backsides off in the dirt, grime and asbestos, I might add.
So many good times
There were so many characters, so many dramas, so many good times.
I feel ashamed that I didn't take Dad down to see the final vessel sail out but nothing was mentioned.
I just assumed that the last ro-ro would be in December seeing as though W.Wilhelmsen vessels are so full coming southbound.
I even entered the competition to rename the area and figure I ran a close second with my entry. It's Sydney's loss and the `Gong's gain, I guess.
So this is a word of thanks and, I guess, just my lame way of reminiscing about the times and people that made Darling Harbour the Darling it really was.
Steve Gibbons, business development manager,
Ross Fehlberg Pty Ltd
