WRECK OF THE WILTSHIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18762, 16 January 1923, Page 8

WRECK OF THE WILTSHIRE

A RESOURCEFUL OFFICER. TANGIBLE RECOGNITION. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, January 15. Thoro was a representative gathering of shipping pien at a luncheon on board the steamer Ruapehu to-day, when a presentation in recognition of tho services rendered at tho wreck of the Wiltshire was made to Mr Thomas Bowling, chief officer of the Katoa, now on the Maunganui, by the directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company. The presentation was made on behalf of the directors by the Prime Minister (Mr W. F. Massey). Those present included Messrs W. Holdsworth (chairman of tho directors of tho Union Company), J. H. C. Bond (dominion superintendent, New Zealand Shipping Co.), J. Findlay (dominion representative of the Shaw, Savill. and Albion Co.). W. A. Kennedy (local manager of the Union Co.), D. Aiken (general manager, Union Co.), and J. G. Harkness (chairman Wellington Harbour Board). After a eulogistic speech, Mr Massey presented Mr Bowling with a handsome silver tray, suitably inscribed, and in doing so expressed the hope that it was not tho they would hear of the recipient, who had a real sailor’s name.

Mr- Bowling briefly responded, thanking Mr Massey for his remarks, and modestly expressing tho opinion that he had only played a small part in a great adventure. In connection with tho presentation, the following letter was received from tho Governor-General:

“Government House. Auckland, New Zealand, June 13, 1922. —Dear Captain Plowman, —I did not have an opportunity of tolling you .how great my admiration was for tho work out by the officers and men of your ship, the Katoa, in effecting the rescue of the ship’s company of tho Wiltshire. I have hoard of all sorts of fine leadership displayed by Mr Bowling, tho chief officer, and of the endurance shown by him during that fateful 48 hours. Tho courage and ready resource which characterised tho fine effort _of Seaman Keagh was rewarded by saving over 100 lives, and has won him tho admiration of all Auckland. Indeed, the name of the Katoa is not likely to bo forgotten within the history of the dominion. I trust thafc special individual acts of gallantry may he brought to notice within the proper quarter. As a brother sailor, I could not refrain from writing you these few words of congratulation.—Yours very truly, Jellicoe.”