Valedictory.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 21, 2 January 1907, Page 4

Valedictory.

Send-off and Presentation to Captain Farquhar. A Whangaroa Function, On Saturday, 2yth December, people of Whangaroa trooped on board the Clansman in large numbers, intent on suitably farewelling Captain Farquhar, who resigns command of the vessel very shortly. The gathering was a representative one. Mr. Hare, Mr. Saies, and others, who were prevented from attending, sent letters and telegrams showing they were fully ,ki accord with the popular sentiment. ! Captain Farquhar was invited to meet his friends in the saloon, which tfas decorated for the occasion. Mr. Lane, Chairman of the County Council, voiced the feelings of those present pin a lew well-chosen words, testifying iito the constant carefulness exercised Iby the retiring Captain through so jjnany long years in all sorts and condiBis of craft, from the old coastal tub he present altered and improved LClansman. Under Providence the Captain’s constant care had been blessed in that he had never lost vessel or passenger. The people of Whangarq/jjvere always prepared to show substantial evidence that they meant all that they expressed in connection with matters of this kind, and he had much pleasure on their behalf and his own in making the presentation. At this stage Mr. lane handed the worthy skipper a well-filled purse of sovereigns. Captain Farquhar, in rising to reply, was much affected. He thanked all present for their goodwill, and said he had never received any but the most kind-hearted treatment at the hands of the people of Whangaroa. “ Auld fang Syne ” was then sung followed by the usual musical honours, I Mrs. Gribbleand her house party from Auckland rendering much assistance. As the steamer left, cheer upon cheer was sent up from the wharf, and the enthusiastic waving of hats and handkerchiefs showed how deeply those present felt the departure of the “ Grand Old Skipper.”