THE BARQUE OTAGO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6731, 20 December 1889, Page 4

THE BARQUE OTAGO.

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN NORMAN. A pleasing ceremony tooi place at Lyttelfcon yesterday afternoon when the newly-elected Mayor of the Borough of Lyttelton presented Captain Norman, of the barque Ofcago, with the testimonial which was being signed on Wednesday. His Worship read the testimonial, a copy of which ist printed below, and -went on to say tbat although such deeds as those done by Captain Norman were not rare in the annals of British maritime history, yet it was only right that they should take the opportunity to. express their appreciation of Mb conduct through, such trying times. The following is a copy of the testimonial:— "Port of XytteltoDj-New Zealand, "Dec. 18, 1889. ' r To Henry Norman, "Master, of the barque Otago, Official No. 60449. ""We, the undersigned residents of Lyttelton and Christchurcb, desire to ahow our appreciation of your conduct and the skill you displayed in the management of your disabled vessel under the very trying and exceptional circumstances you had to contend against after the disastrous effects of the etorm of AugUßt 24, 1889, when in 50deg 6 miles South latitude, and lG3deg 21 minutes West longitude, you being then on a voyage from Sydney to London. We fully recognise that were it not for the skill and splendid seamanship displayed by you the barque Otago with her crew would now be numbered with the long list of noble vessels that have passed away from the ken of man to the depths of the ocean, and with them the crows — unheard of, and o'er whom no dirge has been song', and whose shroud haß been the cruel waves above. We also wish to testify to our unqualified approval of the clear manner in which you have vindicated your honour and character from the vindictive charge trumped up against you by the men whose lives were saved solely through your able seamanship and skill. In the future wo wish you health and prosperity on the voyage of life, and beg to subscribe ourselves." Here followed the names of sixty of. the leading residents of the Port. Captain Norman thanked those present, and others who had subscribed their names, and hoped soon to be bock in Lyttelton. His Worship then invited the company to charge their glasses, and the health of Captain Norman was drank. The, gathering then dispersed.