STEAMER GOTHIC.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 890, 13 May 1903, Page 2

STEAMER GOTHIC.

.VISIT HY COMMERCIAL GENTLEMEN.

SPEECH 11Y MR COMMON

Yesterday, a parly of leading commercial gentlemen paid a visit to the steamer Gothic at the 'invitation of Mr W. Common, of Messrs Common, Shelton, and Co., agents for the Shaw, Savill, ami Albion Shipping Company. The visitors wer received liv Captain Kidley, R.N.R. Alter luncheon, Mr Common proposed the health of Captain Kidley, and, in thanking him for his kindness, said : “ Captain Kidley and Gentlemen, — I have, much pleasure in rising to express to Captain Kidley, in my name and yours, our best thanks lor his kindness in inviting us to partake of his generous hospitality to-day, and also to inspect his magnificent si earner. It speaks volumes for (lie growing greatness of the port of Gisborne that the Gothic, the finest passenger steamer trading to these seas, should find it to its interests to visit this port. We are, I think, justified in indulging in self-eongral ulal ions upon having, I may say, weekly visits of ocean steamers, aud we tire the more gratified tit seeing the White Star lane so worthily reprscenled—a line which holds pride of place for size, equipment, and safety. Hut what would he I lie use oT the grandest steamers which the construclivo skill of man could devise had we mil the captains and other officers qualified to handle them in all circumstances ami conditions. I may say wfilhoul flattery that Captain Kidley in this connection is the right man in 1 lie right place. As you are aware, our American cousins now hold a huge interest in lliis line, tint 1 am glad lo know that they leave the management and staff, including ships’ officers, as they were. I may mention, gentlemen, although you are no doubt aware of the Fact, that, incidents or a regret I able character rarely have happened in Ihis service, and why ? This we need hardly ask. In reply, I may confidently say that where the services are officered by men of (he stamp of our genial host (Captain Kidley) Ihe reason is fully explained. 1 have known Captain Kidley for many years, and 1 believe in all his New Zealand voyages lie has never met with the slightest mishap. I would also remark that, since the initiation of direct steam service to New Zealand neither the White .Star Line nor its allied service, the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, have lost a single steamer. You will see, then, gentlemen, if you desire to travel with safety and comfort, and I may add luxury, or if you wish your wool and frozen meat delivered in London wilh the slightest amount of risk, send them by the White Star Line or the Shaw, Savill and Ailiion Company. 1 may add, and I think it is worth noting. Hurt insurances by the White Star boats are effected at a lower rate than others. I ask

you, gentlemen, 1o join with me in wishing Captain Kidley licallli. Jong life, anti every blessing.”

Captain Kidley made brief responsi conveying his thanks.

The first, officer, .Air David, piloted the visitors through the magnificent vessel

The Gothic left for South last night,