| History
Considering Jim started his career when the company
was already well into its second half century
it seems amazing that he could recall one of the
founders, Alfred Bulmer. Alfred must have been
but a boy himself when the company was established.
Jim remembered him, some 60 years later, calling
in the office, and continuing his duties as Japanese
Consul. As well as representing numerous British
ship owners, T.A.Bulmer and Co. was also proud
to agent the well-known Japanese flag carrier,
NYK Line, and, no doubt, these links were in part
responsible for Alfred's appointment as Consul.
 In
1926 Bulmers published their renowned "Blue
Book", a number of copies of which survive.
NYK Line's advertisement is reproduced here. Cockfield
Knight is proud to have inherited the association
with this ship owner whom they continue to represent
in the North East of England, although nowadays
calls are rare. In spite of this, a bond of friendship
continues to exist, not only with us, but also
with the town and people of Middlesbrough. The
following is an extract from Tees Packet, the
journal of the Tees and Hartlepool Branch of the
World Ship Society:-
"The NYK Line and their Captains had a long
and established relationship with the Civic Authorities
and people of Middlesbrough and this lead to a
number of cherry trees being brought from Japan
for parks in Middlesbrough. The first presentation
was on March 31st 1931 when Captain Taketa of
the "Kashima Maru" took part in a tree
planting ceremony at Stewart Park., Marton. In
May 1932 more cherry trees from Japan were planted
in Stewart, Pallister and Albert Parks by Captain
Watanabe who was now Master of the "Kashima
Maru" to commemorate many happy visits to
the Tees. … In April 1985, as part of the
NYK Line Centenary celebrations and as a mark
of continuing friendship, 9 cherry trees were
presented to the people of Middlesbrough to replace
those planted in the 1930s. Doctor Yoshio Watanabe,
the son of Captain Watanbe and Mr. Kaneyoshi Moriya,
the Managing Director and General Manager of the
NYK Line, London took part in the tree planting
ceremonies with the Mayor of Middlesbrough, Councillor
Malcolm Kirk in attendance".
Shortly after start up in 1981, a localised dock
strike prejudiced the company's future. One of
their, and Smith Hogg's, major principals, Hoegh
Ugland Auto Liners transferred their vehicle and
car export services, from Tees Dock to the Persian
Gulf and Far East, back to Southampton. For a
company in its infancy, this was a major blow,
although, fortunately, other riverside berths
and terminals were not affected by the strike.
Since those early days, the company has expanded
its customer base, and now represents a number
of respected owners, charterers and other principals,
involved in a wide variety of trades. We believe
we have consolidated our position and built our
reputation by offering a professional service
with integrity.
In addition to agency, shipbroking and associated
activities, the company is proud that both Jim
Cockfield and, since 1991, John Knight have held
the position of Honorary Consul for the Federal
Republic of Germany. Although Jim retired from
day to day involvement a few years ago, he retained
a keen interest in the well being of the company,
up until his death. It is now guided by John Knight,
and Nigel Hogg,, ably assisted by a dedicated
and loyal staff. <<<
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