LORD JELLICOE'S VALET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 11

LORD JELLICOE'S VALET.

PROUD MAN IN TIMARU.

GIFT AND PHOTOGRAPHS.

MANY YEARS' ASSOCIATION.

Many instances of Lord Jellicoo's kindliness have, more or less adventitiously, reached the ears of tho people of New Zealand during tho last four years; but probably not one more characteristic than his " good-bye " to Mr. P. Papworth, of Timaru, has come under public notice. Mr. Papworth, says the Timaru Post, has been chief steward of tho South Canterbury Club since the beginning of July, prior to which time ho had been chief steward of the Christchurch Club for 18 months. Ho was appointed, to the first position on the recommendation of the ex-Governor-General. There were good reasons for the recommendation.

Mr. Papworth had been a naval rating for some time when, early in 1912, he was detailed for duty as valet to (as he then was) Vice-Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, second-in-command of the Home Fleet, flying his flag on H.M.S. Hercules. Tho connection then established was not finally dissolved for over ten years. With the outbreak of war in August, 1914, Mr. Papworth followed the Admiral on his assumption of tho command of the Grand Fleet, and remained on the flagship as his personal servant till Lord Jellicoe hauled down his flag and returned to London as First Sea Lord in tho latter half of 1916.

The hero of Jutland was accompanied by Mr. Papworth from Scapa Flow to tho Empire's capital, and tho connection continued until a year later. Lord JclJicoo being then temporarily out of commission, Mr. Papworth returned to tho sea as steward to ViceAdmirnl Sir Lionel Halsey on H.M.A.S. Australia. Two years later, however, he was able to resume service with his old chief, and sailed with Lord Jellicoe on his Empire tour in H.M.S. New Zealand as chief steward to tho Admiral of the Fleet,

Mr. Papworth was in no way surprised when, on the eve of Lord Jellicoe's departure from tho Dominion's shores recently, ho received an autograph letter from the retiring Governor-General accompanied by several packages franked at Government House. The letter was one of farewell—and in the name of the whole of Lord Jelbcoe's family. After brief reference to the past, it wished Mr. Papworth continued health and prosperity in his adopted country, and expressed a hope of a further meeting in the future in England. The largest accompanying parcel contained a honeysuckle walking-stick, on the knob of which is a small gold plate bearing the simple inscription: "P.P., from J." The other parcels contained individual' photographs of the Admiral and each member of his family. " You must ho a proud man, Papworth," said those who heard of and asked to see his mail that particular clay. " I am," was the reply; " it is not everyone who is privileged to serve a Trent man and a great gentleman like Lord Jellicoe."