Mrs Emily Burrows, having lost her son in the Great War, made a practice of visiting sailors every Sunday afternoon bringing flowers, fruit, and sweets to her large “family” in Devonport.  Affectionately called “Ma” by the men of the ships of the NZ Division, she was known by everyone from the Commodore down to the latest recruit.

Her kindness was legendary. Tributes were paid by many ships’ crews on her death in 1933.  Sailors lined the streets of Devonport to farewell the “mother” of the Navy.