PRESENTATION TO MR J. McHARG.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 3 (Supplement)

PRESENTATION TO MR J. McHARG.

(Front "The Colonist," April 16.)

Yesterday afternoon a number of the employees of the Harbour Board and friends gathered at the Harbour Board office for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr. J. McHarg, who has been in charge of the Harbour Board's dredge, prior to his departure for Scotland.

On behalf of the company, Mr, Wm. Lock, a member of the Board, made the presentation, which consisted of a suit case, umbrella, pair of military hair brushes, and Kaiapoi rug. In .his remarks Mr. Lock stated that Mr McHarg had held a most responsible position and the work he had been engaged upon was of a peculiarly arduous nature. He had l ia d strong tides to contend with in carrying on the dredging, and his charge of the Board's property involved his going out at night in tempestuous weather. He had carried out his work in the most capable manner, had acted honestly without fear or favour, and withal had bean most considerate to those employed under him or associated with him, and they could not allow him to leave without some tangible expression of their esteem and appreciation. On behalf of the donors Mr. Lock wished Mr. and Mrs. McHarg a very pleasant trip, expressed the hope that Mr. McHarg would rise in his profession, and concluded by stating that the Board had been so satisfied with Mr. McHarg's services that he was sure that Mr. McHarg would have no difficulty in regaining the position should the Board require a dredge master.

Mr. S. F. Sherwood, secretary to the Board, said that he could endorse all that had been said by Mr. Lock. Mr. McHarg was in every sense a "white" man, and wherever he went ho trusted prosperity would attend him.

Captain Collins, pilot and liarbourmaster, spoke in similar strains, and Mr Reeves, of the pilot crew, endorsed tho remarks.

Mr McHarg said that he hardly knew how to express his thanks for the kind words spoken, and the present v JiicJi was so unlocked for. No one knew more than he what a nerve racking _.ob ho bad had and that he had bc>3n abie to carry it through was due to the men who had stuck to him. The public had no idea of what there had been to contend with. He had also to thank the Board-for readily granting him the

necessary gear to ensure the safety of the dredge. At the invitation of Captain Collins the company then drank Mr. McHarg's health with musical honours.

Mr. McHarg leaves Nelson to-day, will make a short stay in Australia, and then proceed to Scotland.