PRESENTATION TO CAPT. JENNINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1169, 27 July 1894, Page 21

PRESENTATION TO CAPT. JENNINGS.

On board the Gothic on Wednesday Captain Jennings, the popular commander of the vessel, was presented with an illuminated address and a purse containing about 300 sovereigns. The gentlemen present were—Messrs G. Tolhurst, E. Pearce, N. Reid, A. 11. Miles, A. Turnbull, E. Bell, C. Pharazyn, Captain Rose and Captain Babot.

Mr Tolhurst, who made the presentation, said that he had received a letter from Sir George Grey and other passengers who had gone Home in the Gothic asking him to present the address to Captain Jennings, and to bog his (Captain Jennings’) acceptance of the gift. There were others here, Mr Tolhurst explained, who had desired to subscribe to the presentation, and they had done so. Amongst the names Captain Jennings would see that of the Right Hon Sir George Grey, written by Sir George himself, those of some of his fellow-passen-gei-3 on the last voyage, and many of his friends here. Mr Tolhurst then handed the address and purse to Captain Jennings amidst applause. The address, which was beautifully illuminated, was as follows “To Captain Jennings, R.N.R., “ Commanding the R.M.S. Gothic. “ Dear Sir, — “Wp, whose names are attached to this address, desire in a few words to give expression to the high esteem and respect in which you are held, not only by us, but by all who have the privilege of your friendship, and with this address we beg you to be good enough to accept the accompanying purse as a trifling token of our regard. “Those of us who have had the pleasure of sailing with you can bear testimony to your unfailing courtesy, and to the kind attention you constantly give to ensure the comfort and convenience of all on board your ship. “ In the language of the Psalmist of old f your way is in the sea and your paths in the great waters,’ and no more worthy representative of your noble profession has ever visited these shores. You have attained a time of life when most men seek rest from labour, but we rejoice to know that the vigour of health remains with you still, and we earnestly hope that strength may bo given you to continue, for many years, to actively follow the calling you love so well.

“ Again assuring you of our deep regard, “ We subscribe ourselves, “ Your Sincere Friends.” In reply, Captain Jenni agsheartily thanked Mr Tolhurst and the other gentlemen for their kindness. They had placed him in a fix, just such a fix as the old f aimer, who had a cartload of potatoes, and a big hill in front of him. To use a sailor’s phrase, he had to tack up that hill, and when lie succeeded in getting to the top the liuch-pin came out, and the whole of the potatoes rolled down the hill. The farmer said lie would not swear because he could not do it justice. (Laughter.) That was his (Captain Jennings’) difficulty. He could not do it justice. He assured them that he could not find language sufficiently expressive tc record his thanks. (Applause.)