PRESENTATION OF VICTORY RELICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12133, 1 December 1906, Page 8

PRESENTATION OF VICTORY RELICS

There was a small but representative attendance at the Borough. Council Chambers last evening, when the Rev. Matthews, secretary and travelling representative of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, presented to the Bcr ough a Victory relic.

His Worship the Mayor, in a few happy remarks, welcomed Mr. Matthews to Wanganui, and added that he hoped 'hie visit to this and other towns would be profitable to him, the Society, and the ea:'iors for whom the Society worked.

Mr. Matthews,, who was veiry warmly received, spoke of the formation of the Society in 1814, when the sailors were thrown upon London on the disbanding of the.ships after Trafalgar. Ho spoke of the great help given the Society by his Majesty the King and others, and in mentioning thr's fact paid a graceful tribute to th© memory or' the late Mi-. Seddon. Mr. Matthews showed^ several Victory flags, one of which was made by a sailor and his wife in 1814, and on which isi inscribed the word "Bethel" (House of God). He also showed some copper medai!s and charms for school children, and a beautiful oak sihield with Nelson's Victory in copper on the fade, which is intended for competition in school, subject to the schools subscribing a, certain amount to-wian-ds the Society's funds. After a few furtner remarks, Mr. Matthews, presented the Mayor (for the Corporation) with ,a handsome1 plaque made from pure copper taken, from tho Victory. The plaque, which is about a foot, in diameter, is very handsomely designed with Nelson's Victory, and bears Nelson's famous signal. Mr. J. T. Hogan, M.H.R., then made a- few very pleasing and practical remarks, spoke of the exhibit of Victory relics in the Victory stall at the Exhibition, mentioninig that, he had the pleasure of seeing a p'ece of oak taken from the cockpit wherein Nelson died. He wished Mr. Matthews' efforts to be crowned with success1. Mr. F. M. SpurdLe, in a neat little speecli, then moved a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Matthews. This was seconded by Mr. G. Calmani, who threw out the suggestion of showing practical sympathy with Mr. Matthews' Society. The vote of thanks was carried heartily, after whiich those present were shown the relics, further explanation being given by Mr. Matthews.