The attached hat badge is attributed to Captain Dugald Archibald KENNEDY (1830-1908), a New Zealand Master employed by various lines between England and Australia, and trans Tasman routes NZ to Australia.
Captain Kennedy came to NZ in 1854 as chief officer of the s.s. Nelson, and commanded in succession the Lady Grey, Wonga Wonga, Lord Ashley, Airedale (Circular Saw Company), Easby, Taiaroa, Phoebe, Ladybird, Hawea, Hauroto, Rotomahana, and Flora.
Airedale = Henderson & Macfarlane owned the Circular Saw Line, early shipping line out of Auckland, NZ that covered routes, Auckland - Sydney; Sydney Melbourne; Melbourne Adelaide and Sydney Hobart.
Whilst the badge bears some resemblance to the Nelson Anchor Shipping and Foundry Company house flag, no other reference to date has produced an answer. Kennedy was also believed to have captained a number of troop transports during WW1, possibly ex-UK and return, if that is any help.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Ian