HARBOURMASTER HONOURED

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2420, 27 March 1915, Page 8

HARBOURMASTER HONOURED

PRESENTATIONS FROM THE STAFF Captain Henry Johnson, Wellington's veteran harbourmaster, who retires from the service of the Harbour Board on superannuation at the end of the month, was honoured yesterday afternoon by the receipt of several presentations from the members of the board's staff -with whom he had been associated for so many years. The articles presented were a serviceable New Zealand-made travelling rug, a gold-mounted fountain pen, a case of silver-mounted pipes, an aiieroid chronometer, and, for Mrs. Johnson, a pretty pear-set gold pendant. In making the presentation Mr. R. Fletcher (chairman of the board) said that he desired on behalf of the staffs to make the presentations, as a mark of the goodwill and esteem in which Captain Johnson had been held as harbourmaster at Wellington. He had known Captain Johnson for very many years, for the past quarter of a century, and eulogised him for the conscientious manner in which he had carried out his duties. After quoting figures to show the growth of the port and the shipping dealt with, Mr. Fletcher'said that the port of Wellington was the leading port of New Zealand aB far as working facilities were concerned, and would always be the leading port owing to its indisputable natural advantages. He referred to the superannuation scheme, which ha (Mr. Fletcher) had been instrumental in bringing about, and which was enabling Captain Johnson to retire whilst still in the enjoyment of the vigour of wellpreserved manhood. (Applause.) Mr. H. E. Nicholls, secretary of the board, on behalf of his staff, testified to the capable manner in which Captain Johnson had carried out his duties, and the yeoman service he had rendered to the board. He knew of no .more zealous officer or stronger man. Captain Johnson was a man who always knew his own mind, and always had the respect and admiration which went out to a man of that.type. (Applause.) Mr. James Marchbanks,; the board's engineer, also added words of appreciation. He had always found Captain Johnson most Tead.v and willing to give him the benefit of his knowledge of tho harbour. Personally he regretted that Captain Johnson was retiring, but he was wise to take advantage of tho timo left him for 'quiet happiness and contentment.' (Applause.) Mr. A..V. H. Muitro, wharfinger, also spoke of the services rendered by the retiring harbourmaster. In reply, Captain Johnson thanked those present for the spirit which had prompted tho many fine things said and the handsome gifts. He had been associated for many years with the port, and had always striven to do his duty faithfully, truly, and fearlessly. The increase of the traffic in connection with the wharves made it a stupendous undertaking for one man to carry through. He would always carry with him the remembrance of the kind remarks that had been made that afternoon, and would always have the welfare of .his associates at heart. Ho also commented on the beneficence of the superannuation scheme, which he was to benefit by. He thanked all present for the gifts, and flii behalf of Wf>. 'Jolinsnn also returned .&!> heartfelt thwks. (Ajjjjjause.i