The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1930. HONOUR WHERE HONOUR WAS DUE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11115, 27 January 1930, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1930. HONOUR WHERE HONOUR WAS DUE.

It is pleasing to note that Captain Hawkes was not permitted to sever his connection, with the sea-faring life without suitable public recognition being -made of liis meritorious services at tlis port ill the interests of the residents of Poverty Bay. Over the lengthy period during which lie coimnanded the tender Tuatea, lie Was known, to 1 every family in _ 'the :district for a most painstaking, obliging and careful navigator.. To have transported, without-a single mishap occurring, some 300,000 people either to or from, the roadstead is a record of service of Which anybody might justly feel proud. As master of the Tuatea, Captain Hawkes Was, unquestionably, the right man . in the right place. - His was by no means a regular fair-weather job'. The type of man required for the position was, therefore, not only one who was a skilful navigator, but also, one who Had the ability, to inspire <jom--1 plete confidence. Captain' Hawkes, became the trusted servant of the travelling public as -■ well as of tho company by which he was employed. It was,, of course, the case that, on many occasions, there were aboard the Tuatea passengers who were timid and other, again who were very frail. Invariably, however, Captain Hawkes made them his especial care. : Rightly, it was ..stressed at the presentation deremony that it A as what was .described as bis' imperturbability that did most to inspire complete confidence in him. No matter how great .tho need for expedition, he never allowed himself to become bustled or flurried. Everything- had to be in order before lie gave the signal to the engine department. Not only did Captain Hawkes not have a regular fair weather, post, but liis duties frequently required his presence” “on deok” at most inconvenient hours. But.no matter What the Hour or how bad the conditions, he was always on the spot and, on occasions when • • the tendering- had to be delayed, his . decision would, in-

wariablyubo accepted'without a murmur by all who wore acquainted with the risks attendant on his important work in stormy weather and in high-running seas. Without the slightest fear of contradiction, it can be said that the travelling public would not have taken kindly to any proposal on the part of his employers to transfer him from Gisborne. Unhappily, in recent years, Captain Hawkes has had the misfortune to be more or less afflicts! with a painful malady which, doustless, owed its origin to the fact that, frequently, he had to stand strain of very severe weather in 'the course of his duties. His many friends in this district—and the bulk of the present day residents come within that . category—will. we know , sincerely hope that now he has given up an active seafaring life he will soon find himself completely restored to health and that both lie and Mrs. Hawkes, who has been to him such a- splendid helpmeet, will have long life and every happiness.