YEARS OF SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 104, 27 January 1931, Page 11

YEARS OF SERVICE

Capt. Peterson Honoured GUILD PRESENTATION . Tribute to the able service of Captain P, S. Peterson as president of the Wellington Merchant Service Guild during the last six years, was rendered by a large gathering of seafarers at the guild rooms last evening. Captain Peterson had been a member of the guild since October 1, 1907, said the chairman, Captain F. A. IMacindoe, in proposing the health of the retiring president. During the last 24 years Captain Peterson had worked up from officer to master in the service of the Union Steam Ship Company, and since 1918 he had been a pilot on the staff of the Wellington Harbour Board. He had won the esteem and respect of all. because of his sincerity and genial manner. As a guild member he had been a pattern, as a vice-president very promising, and as president a good leader, with sound judgment. The position, of president of the guild wns a thankless job. but Captain Peterson had filled it with credit to himself, and- satisfaction to the guild for six years, and all were sorry that he was vacating the position. He was on the committee of management in 1922-23; vice-president 1923-25, and had been president since 1925. It was very gratifying tn know that Captain Peterson 1 might, after a year’s spell, reconsider allowing himself to be nominated for. the position of president. By tact and sound judgment he had safely navigated the guild through some heavy weather during the last six years.

Captain V. G. Webb, acting-marine cuperintendent of the Union Steam Ship Company. after remarking that he had known Captain Peterson for 22 years, said all would agree that he was a man of the highest integrity, and the guild had been very fortunate in having had him as its president for six years. The good feeling that existed between the Union Company and the guild was largely owing to the sound work of the president and the secretary. • The chairman presented Captain Peterson with a silver tea and coffee service, and nn inscribed watch. The toast of the health was drunk with musical honours. In replying. Captain Peterson said he deeply appreciated what had-been said of him. ' It had been a great pleasure to him to be of assistanee to his brother mariners. Remarking that any differences between the shipping companies and the guild had .always been amicably settled. Captain Peterson said they enjoyed conditions as good as were to be found anywhere in the world. The guild stood absolutely for jaw and order, and it behoved members to be loyal to their companies and. to one- another. Having got nil they could by legitimate methods, let them stick fast to their agreement. A pleasant evening was enlivened by sea songs, chanties, and stories, nnd concluded with the toasts of “Absent Friends” an(\“The Press.”