FOR SERVICES RENDERED

Evening Star, Issue 18139, 1 December 1922, Page 6

FOR SERVICES RENDERED

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN THOMSON. Repreßoai.tat.ives of the various shipping companies and shipping agents met. in Messrs Turnbull, Martin, and Co.'s offices this morning to bid farewell to Captain G. Thomson ou his retirement from his position of harbor master, and presented him with a well-filled wallet. Mr H. L. Tapley, in making the presentation, voiced tho opinion of those present that Captain Thomson had always been most obliging, efficient, and careful in cany in g out his duties .as harbor master. He had been associated with the Otago Harbor Board since 1886, when ho joined its service as tug master, and ini 1895 was promoted to pilot. Ho was appointed to the position of harbor master in 1907, succeeding the late Captain M'Callura-. Captain Thomson was altogether 'thirty-six years in tho service of the 'board. During his sendee Captain Thomson had many difficulties to overcome, hut could look back with pride on his record as harbor master to this port. On his appointment to the position in 1907 vessels drawing about 24ft were berthed at Tort Chalmers, whereas now vessels 50Oft in length and of 30ft .draught could be Iber,thed at low water at Port Chalmers. A corresponding increase, hadl taken place in tho size of the vessels now berthed at Dunedin.

Captain Thomson and Mrs Thomson are taking a well-earned trip to tho United Kingdom, and those present wished them both a very pleasant trip. Mr John Mill, Mr 6. L. Denniston, Mr S, K. Sleigh, Mr F, Tyson, Mr K. Ramsay, and Mr Sharpe also spoke very highly of Captain Thomson, and expressed their appreciation of the courteous manner in which he met their every request in the past. Captain Thomson thanked the donors for their kindly gift, and expressed 'keen regret at the severance of his friendly business relations.