TRIBUTES PAID TO CAPTAIN SPENCE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 5, 1 October 1935, Page 10

TRIBUTES PAID TO CAPTAIN SPENCE

Retiring Harbourmaster

Yesterday at the Wellington Harbour Board office, the retiring harbourmaster, Captain J. Spence, was presented by (lie principal executive officers with a clock. Tlie general manager, Air. A. G. Barnett, in making the presentation, referred to the high opinion in which Captain Spence was lield by his associates. He had always worked in harmony with tlie other ollicers of the board and had shown a high sense of devotion to duty that would be a lesson to all. It was with deep regret that there had come a parting of the ways, but Air. Barnett hoped that Captain Spence would be long spared to enjoy bis well-earned leisure.

Captain Spence responded, acknowledging the gift and thanking his fellowofficers for the kind sentiments they had expressed to him on his retirement. The popularity of Captain Spence with tlie members of the harbour master’s staff was attested to at a large gathering yesterday afternoon. Captain P. S. Peterson, who presided, Air. G. T. Robinson, senior launch engineer, Air. E. Rodda, watch foreman, and Mr. G. Whitefield, custodian of the boat harbour, voiced Hie regrets of the staff at the retirement of 1 Captain Spence from active service. As harbour master he had been a popular officer who had treated the members of his staff well and had done a great deal for them, and they all bad been pleased to work under him.

On behalf of the staff Air. Whitefield presented Captain Spcuce with a sil-ver-mounted walking-stick and a set of pipes, both suitably inscribed. Captain Spence feelingly thanked the staff foi- (heir gifts and good wishes.

Captain Siience, who has retired on six months’ leave of absence and will be succeeded as from to-day by Captain I*. S. Peterson, went to sea over 50 years ago and served for some 15 years in sailing ships. He left “sail” to join the Union Steam Ship Company, with whom he served for eight or 10 years, commanding at various times the Flora, Wareatea, Mahinapua and Wakatipu. Captain Spenee joined the service of the Wellington Harbour Board' in 1906 as mate of the dredge Whakarire. He was appointed pilot probationer in October. 1914. and pilot a year later. He became deputy-harbour-master in 1917. acting harbour master in March, 1931, and: finally harbour master and chief pilot in October, 1931.