HOBART PASHA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 788, 25 May 1877, Page 3

HOBART PASHA.

—o The following is given by ‘ Vanity Fair ’ as the true stol-y about Captain the Hon. A. C. Hobart, better known as Hobart Pasha:—ln 1808 the Turkish Government requested the British Government to send them a naval officer of rank to organise their Navy ; and the Forfeign Office granting their permission, the Admiralty was asked to find an admiral Willing to go. There was little difficulty in finding one, the proposed salary being somewhat like L7OOO per annum, and there was any amount of scrambling for the prize. Their Lordships took such a long timo considering (he claims of the numerous applicants that the Turks became tired of wailing, and they accepted the services of Captain Hobart. The authorities at Whitehall selected Admiral >Sir William Wiseman, Bart, K.C. 8., who conducted the naval operations in the last New Zealand war, and informed the Turks of their choice. The latter declined the offer “ with thanks,” being already suited. Their in great anger at losing such a piece of patronage, ordered Captain Hobart home, and declared they should erase his name from the “ Navy List ” it he did not obey them. Naturally enough, that gallant officer did not see why he should give precedence to Sir Wi'liam Wiseman, and he refused point blank to return to England. His name Was therefore struck out of the “ Navy List.” Three years ago the injustice was recognised, and Captain Hobart’s name was replaced on the Retired List ; and as he served with distinction in the Russian war, it seems very unfair to deprive him of his retired pay, which amounts to rather less than LSOU per annum.