To S. Harry Wright, Esq., Captain P.N.Z. and A.R. Mail Co. Ship Rakaia.

West Coast Times, Issue 384, 15 December 1866, Page 2

To S. Harry Wright, Esq., Captain P.N.Z. and A.R. Mail Co. Ship Rakaia.

Dear Sir — We, tho undersigned, passengers by the Rakaia, consider it due not only to you and ourselves but to the public, who are so much interested in tho establishment of this new line of steam communication, to express our great satisfaction at the successful manner in which this your second voyage from Panama to New Zealand has been completed. Though we have been blessed with beautiful weather during almost the entire voyage, we have seen enough of the Rakaia to be eat-

isfied that, under your management, sho would prove herself an excellent sea boat in j any emergency that might arise. Wo have most cordially to thank you for the great attention you have paid to the comfort of your passengers, and also your unceasing endeavors to cater for their amusement has much diminished the monotony of so long a sea voyage. We would beg of you to convey our thanks to all your officers for tho zealous and admirable manner in which they have seconded you ; and especially would beg of you to convey to Mr FarnGeld, I lie purser, our appreciation of the excellent way in which his duties have been carried out, tho admirable table that has been kupt up, aud the regularity and order of of his department has conduced to the comfort of all, whilst he has been indefatigable in assisting you and those who have kindly contributed by theatricals, operas, and lectures to oiu 1 amusement. Being satisfied that the Panama line has now become established, and that it will prove a favorite route between England, America, New Zealand, and Australia, we hope that it may long have the benefit of your services, and that nil happiness and prosperity may attend you. P. J. Bell, Captain C. Petschlcr P. Campbell H. Petschler Celeste Elliott. Lydia A. Sandy Charles Clifford, Knt. E. Thornhill D. Murphy John Tin-line J. H. Parnell J. D. Thomson P. A. Curtis E. S. Eickman Lily B. Curtis Purves Russell Charles W. Dilke M. Or. Russell Thomas Dixon William Robinson John Foster Fitznerald E J. Robinson William luglis L. E. Robinson Jane Inglis Sara Rolrinson Mary Inglis Gforgina Hall J. E*. Illingworth James Sandy H. J. Kinnard Elizabeth Sandy E. P. Kenyon Joshua Todhunter B. Riekmnn

E.M.S. Eakaia at pea, 21<t November, 1866. Ladies and Gentlemen — Whilst acknowledging tr-e receipt of your letter of this date, and thanking you on behalf of my officers and myself for the same, I avail myself of this opportunity to say how much I think it a matter of great congratulation to have an expression of your satisfaction conveyed in terms so flattering to the company I belong \o, the ship I command, aud to those associated with me in the development of an hitherto untried service. I look upon this kind expression of feeling as an augury of success ; for if, at the commencement of the service, we are able to give so much satisfaction, I doubt not we shall be able much more to do so when experience will have shown us the particular requirements of' the voyage, and made us acquainted with the resources of the islands in tho route. In return, I must thank you for your readiness in contributing to each other's amu.-e-ment, for I consider to this is duo the harmony and good feeling that has existed. Wishing you all possible happhipss and prosperity, I remain, ladies and gentlemen, Yours very faithfully, J S. Haeby Wright, Commander.