HIS DUTY WELL DONE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 118, 12 February 1941, Page 8

HIS DUTY WELL DONE

Prime Minister’s Tribute To

Captain Davey PRAISE FOR .MERCHANT NAVY A tribute to his many qualities as a master mariner in lhe mercantile service was paid Captain A. 11. Davey, commander of the Awatea, by Hie Prime Minister. Mr. Fraser, in a letter read al a farewell gathering in Captain Davey’s honour held in Wellington last evening by the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners, Mr. Fraser also paid a tribute to the work of the Merchant Navy, which he said was carrying on in wartime with unquenchable courage. "As Minister of Marine for many years I had the benefit of - Captain Davey’s co-operation and technical advice, particularly in connexion with Hie installation of radio direction-tinders and other aids to safe navigation." said Mr. Fraser, who expressed regret at not being able to lie present. "His advice and generous help have been keenly appreciated. ’’Captain Davey lias been in rhe front rank of our mercantile marine for many years, and throughout his long Career he lias pryved himself a great sailor, a skilful master mariner and a trustworthy friend. These are Hie qualities which today give Hie British Empire its unconquerable power al sea. We are always proud of the mercantile marine, but at present. when daily it is facing death witli unquenchable courage, we are specially so The mercantile marine is in every respect a worthy partner witli our Navy, which today is performing deeds of daring unsurpassed in history, and triumphantly holds tlie seas for democracy.” It was never easy for a competent man io retire from his calling, said Mr. Fraser, and it must lie harder for anyone who. tn the achievement of his ’tasks, had made friends with very many people who had had Hie privilege of travelling witli him. "But Captain Davey will have much consolation in his retirement He Ims done his duty all the time, and done it well, and he can now look back with pride across eventful years, knowing that be lias played his part.”