Tribute to British Tars.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 307, 7 January 1902, Page 1

Tribute to British Tars.

DUTCH GBATITUDE. The Telegraaf, of Amsterdam, publishes a graphic description of the succour of l the passengers of the Dutch packet Koningin Begentes by the men of H.M.s. Proserpine, with which warship she collided in the Thames during tho foggy weather of nearly a month ago. The language of the narrator is most flattering to the British tars concerned, and comes as a welcome relief after the vituperation of Great Britain indulged in by a certain section of the Dutch press. “ The coolness and the bravery, the splendid discipline of the British officers and tars were marvellous to behold,” says the enthusiastic writer. “ When some male passengers in their panic endeavoured to shove and thrust the shrieking womenfolk from the ironclad’s ladder they themselves were pushed off by the officers and sailors, who shouted, ‘Bo Bourgoyne business here ! ’ . “On board the British ship captain and officers surrendered their quarters to the ladies and childreu, vied with each other in hospitality and kindness, prepare coffee and cocoa for the shivering and frightened steerage women, and hot toddies for us men. It was splendid to see ' the sailors calmly go on to the Koningin Begentes, which we ail thought was doomed, to fetch our effects and tho mails, as if it were quite the most ordinary business in the world. It was a magnificent spectacle of superb discipline, I tell you—one which none of us will ever forget. “We tried to press money on the gallant fellows ; we endeavoured to get the bluejackets to accept a subscription, but they said: “Thank you, gentlemen, we were glad to be of service, put we only did our duty. We ask. and may accept no reward. “The commanding officer and his staff, who deserve our undying gratitude for saving us all from a watery grave, also declined to accept any recognition of their services, and seemed to regard the whole exciting episode as the most ordinary thing in the world.