A POPULAR SKIPPER

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1507, 17 January 1901, Page 33

A POPULAR SKIPPER

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN POST. On the arrival of the Government steamer Tutanekai with the Federal Contingent from Sydney in Wellington Harbour on Monday, Major Hawkins, c-n behalf of the officers, non-commissioned Officers and members of the contingent, presented Commander Post with an illuminated address. In doing so, he referred to the many kindnesses and the great care and attention they had received at his hands both going to and returning from Sydney. Majc-r Hawkins remarked that apparently, next to the safe navigation of the ship. Commander Post’s main consideration was the welfare and wants of those on board. .Major Hawkins also referred to the good discipline which he observed existed among the ship’s company, which was mainly' due to the Commander, and he stated that the Volunteers would do well to take a pattern from the discipline which existed on board. He went on to say that owing to the men suffering considerably from “mal de mer” during the early stage of the voyage, the ship threatened to become a hospital, but the kindness of the Tutanekai’s staff enabled things to work smoothly, and helped the men to forget their troubles. Both officers and stewards had been most considerate. Commander Post said he had been completely taken by surprise-, and that he could not adequately express his feelings of thanks and appreciation cf the kindness of the officers and members of me New Zealand Federal Contingent. He felt that ho had done no more than Ins duty, and it had been a pleasure to command the vessel during the trip, as the behaviour of the contingent had been most exemplary. He certainly would treasure the address as a memento of the occasion. He thanked Major Hawkins for the complimentary remarks he had made with regard to the discipline on board. He also wished to state that he had, while an Sydney, heard most- complimentary remarks regarding - the conduct of the New Zealanders who formed part of the Federal Contingent. In conclusion, he thanked them on behalf of the officers and crew of the Tutanekai for the contingent’,? appreciation of their efforts. Following is a copy of the illuminated address : To Captain Collin Francis Post, Commander of the New Zealand Government steamer Tutanekai. Dear Sir, —-We, the undersigned, oil behalf of ourselves and the members of the New Zealand Volunteer Force, forming the Federal escort, cannot allow this opportunity to pass without in some way acknowledging the kindness, attention and great consideration you showed us at all times on our journey to and from Sydney. We also wish to bear testimony to the courtesy displayed by the officers and the members of the crew under your command. — (Signed) John E. Hawkins, Major; L. W. Loveday, Captain; Edw. J. Roberts, M. 8., Surgeon-Captain; W. Reward, Captain; Fred Freeman, Lieutenant; G- H. Merton, Lieutenant; Arthur F. Trask, Lieutenant; Kenneth Cameron, Bandmaster Southland Pipe Band; F. ■B —Mmdnfi Saramaut-Maior. for