SERVICE AT THE PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1925, Page 8

SERVICE AT THE PORT.

-DEPARTURE OP CAPTAIN MoMAHON PRESENTATIONS FROM STAFF. On the eve of his departure from New Plymouth to take up his new appointment at Wellington, Captain J. McMahon, late dredgemaster to the New Plymouth Harbour Board, was presented with a gold watch and chain and pendant by members of the board’s employees yesterday afternoon. A very high tribute was paid to Captain McMahon for his valuable and faithful service to the board during his term of office, and regret was expressed at his decision to sever his connection with the board, in whose employ he had been for the last 21 years. The presentation of the gold chain and pendant, suitably inscribed, was made by the captain’s shipmates on the dredge Paritutu, on which he had held the position of master for 15 years. Mr. T. Sinclair, chief engineer, in making the presentation on behalf of the dredge’s company, spoke of the regard in which Captain McMahon was held by every one of the men, and the regret which was felt at his departure from New Plymouth. Later in the afternoon, at a large gathering of the board’s land staff, the captain was presented -with a gold watch, also inscribed. Mr. G. W. B. Lowson, the board’s resident engineer, before calling on Mr. C. E. Bellringer (chairmaft of the board) to make the presentation, referred to the splendid work Captain McMahon had performed. He was the friend of all who knew him, and every member of the staff wished him every success In his new appointment. In making the presentation Mr. Bellringer heartily endorsed the remarks made by Mr. Lowson, and also referred to the fact that CaptainMcMahon, when he entered the board’s employ, was associated with the harbourmaster’s staff, and was also at one time assistant harbourmaster. He was afterwards in charge of the dredge Thomas King, before finally being appointed master of the Paritutu. Captain McMahon suitably replied, and he was accorded three rousing cheers.