HEROISM REWARDED

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 102, 16 January 1923, Page 9

HEROISM REWARDED

ECHO OF THE WILTSHIRE WRECK PRESENTATION TO MR. TOM BOWLING A pleasant gathering took place yesterday on board the'liner Ruapehu, at the Queen’s Wharf, in recognition of the heroic work accomplished by Mr. Tom Bowling (now chief officer of the R.M.S. Maunganui), when chief officer of tho Union Steam Ship Company’s Katoa, in directing the operations for saving tho lives of the crow of the wrecked liner Wiltshire at the Great Barrier Island last June. The gathering took the form of a dinner, given by the New Zealand Shipping Company, at which was presented to Mr. Bowling a massive sterling silver tray inscribed as follows: — Presented by the Chairman and Directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company. Ltd., to Mr. T. Bowling, Chief Officer s.s. Katoa, in recognition of his gallantry and resource in effecting the rescue of the crew of the s.s. Wiltshire at Rosalie Bay, Great Barrier Island, June 1, 1922. Captain A. W. McKellar, master of the Ruapehu, presided, and there were present: The Prime Minister (Bight Hon. W. F. Massey), Messrs. J. H. C. Bond (general manager of the N.Z. Shipping Company). C. M. Turrell (local manager of the N.Z. Shipping Company), Captain J. Bono (marine superintendent, N.Z. Shipping Company), Captain W. Olphert (assistant marine superintendent, N.Z. Shipping Company), Messrs. C. Holdsworth (managing director of the Union Steam Ship Company), D. A. Aiken (general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company), W. A. Kennedy (local manager of the Union Steam Ship Company). W. Wallis (managing agent for the Federal Steam Navigation Company), J. G. Harkness (chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board), James Findlay (New Zealand representative for the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company). W. G. De Gruchy and Captain J. B. Rainey (joint managers of . the Commonwealth and Dominion Line). Captain F. A. Macindoe (secretary of the Merchant Service Guild), Captain L. C. 11. Worrall (of the R.M.S. Maunganui), Mr, F. Thompson (secretary to the Minister of Marine)’, and the officers of the liner Ruapehu. An apology for unavoidable absence was received from the Minister of Marine. The Prime Minister, on being called upon to make the presentation, expressed his intense admiration for the British mercantile marine during the Great War. He also expressed sympathy with those concerned in the unfortunate wreck of the .Wiltshire. In complimenting Mr. Bowling on his courage, foresight, and seamanship, Mr. Massey included the great heroism of Seaman. Keogh and the assistance of the other members of the Katoa’s crew in his eulogy. Mr. Massey went on to speak of the time when he crossed the Atlantic during the war period on tho Carmania, a merchantman that had been converted into a warship, 'and praised the fine work of the mercantile marine during the dark days of the war.* He referred to the heroic fight of the late Captain A. B. Smith, of the liner Otaki. who fought a German warship under overwhelming odds and went down with his vessel with her flag' bravely flying. The traditions of the British race would, he added, make New Zealand one of the foremost maritime countries of the world, which was necessitated by the Dominion’s insular position in the Southern Seas. Mr. Massey expressed much pleasure in presenting the handsome silver plate to Mr. Bowling, and also proposed his toast in felicitous terms.

Mr. Bowling, in responding to the toast, and in acknowledging presentation. modestly referred to tho part he had played in rescuing tho crew of tho Wiltshire, but said he could not have succeeded in his efforts without the co-operation of those who were with him.

Mr. J. H. C. Bond, in proposing the toast of Mr. Massey, suggested that it was perhaps, not too late to wish the Primo Minister a “Happy New Year.”

In responding to tho toast Mr. Massey thanked too company for tho en-. thusiastic manner in which . the toast had been received. He said he was glad to assist in honouring Mr. Bowlmix,

Captain F. A. Macindoe, in proposing the toast of “The Master and Officers of the Ruapehu,” said that he spuko not only on behalf of the New Zealand Merchanv Service Guild, but as honorary agent of the Imperial CfuHfl. Captain TiTacindoe added a few words in praise of those who had rescued the Wiltshire’s srow. He read tne following letter from the GovernorGeneral to Captain Plowman, master of the Katoa: — “Government Houso. “Auckland, KZ., June 13, 1922. "Dear Captain Plowman.—l did not have an opportunity of telling you how great was my admiration for the work carried out by tho officers and men of your ship in effecting the rescue of the chip’s company of . the Wiltshire. 1 have heard on all sides of the fine leadership displayed by Mr. Bowling, the chief officer, and of the endurance and enterprise and self-sacrifico shown by him, and all who worked under him. during that fateful 48 hours. “Tho courage and ready resource which characterised tho fine effort of Seaman Keogh was rewarded by the saving of over 100 lives, and has won for him the admiration of all Auckland.

“‘lndeed, the name of the Katoa is not likely to bo forgotten w'ithin the history of tho Dominion. I trust that the special individual acts of gallantry may be brought to notice within tho proper quarter. “As a brother sailor, I could not refrain from writing you these few words of congratulation.—Yours very truly, “(Sgd.) JELLICOE.”

Captain McKellar. of the Ruapehu, thanked the company and proposer of tho toast on behalf of hi? officers, the mercantile marine, and himself.

The proceedings terminated with the singing of tho National Anthem.