PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN NEAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1672, 13 February 1906, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN NEAL.

There Was a large gathering of townspeople nt the Harbor Board yestorday afternoon on Iho ccoasicn of the piosonlation mado oo Captain Neal, late of the s.s. Tuatea. His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. Townloy, presided.

Capt.iin Neal baa boon upwards of twenty years in charge of tho Union Company’s steamers doing tho tendering

at this port, and his rotiromont from the servioo, at his own roquest, at the ago of seventy, is a matter of geco al regret. His many frionds throughout the district could not let the occasion pass without

some rtcognitioD, and the gatboring yesterday was the outoomo of this desire. Captain Neal was prostniod with a very handsome gold watch suitably inscribed, and Mis Noil with a beautiful silver tea servioe. In making the presentation His Worship j the Mayor referred to tho great services rendered to the Company and tho port by Captain Neal. It was, he said, like breaking a link with the old times in parting I with him. Captain Neal had commanded I three tenders, and during his long oaroer I

ho had never had a mishap, not lost a passenger nor a single paolsage. He had tendered tho steamers in all weathers and in all conditions, and he was satisfied that the Union Company were losing a man i whom they were very loth to part with. It was pleasing to see such a representative gathering of citizens, and he was sure I they would one and all voice the remarks I that ho had made, and wish Captain and I Mrs Neal every prosperity and happiness. I (Applause.) I Mr A. F- Kennedy then read tho following address; “ Oa your retirement from I the Union Co’s servico after many years I of responsibility and aoxioty in your care I of all iooomiDg and outoomiog passengers I An Art/1 (.nr,, tK n viiNwf. Ap PI 1a It VI A U/A hAO I

to and from the port of Uiaborne, we Deg to congratulate you upon tho success wbioh hes attended your oareer, and to ask your aoceptauoe of the accompanying presents as a email token of the esteem in which you are held. Wishing Mrs Neal and yourself every prosperity and happiness during your remaining years, wbioh

we trust may bo long among us, we remain,Cap!ain Neal,—” —[Here follow the signatures.] Mr Sievwrighl endorsed the remarks of the Mayor, and congratulated Captain Neal on his sncoessful career. Captain Neal had served the community very well and as far as he oould remtmber there was

only one ocoasion that he had put his foot down and said that ho could not go off. Ho had wou their respeot for good servioe and they all wished him every success. In the course of an excellent speooh, Mr J. W. Bright referred to the cheerful manner in whioh Captain Neal had always performed his duties, and the thoughtful- 1 ne3S ha had always shown towards passengers, his duties being performed with unvarying courtesy, and seamanship, that anyone might envy. Mr Bright related several iostanoea of rough trips of the Bnark and Waihi, making special refer- I ences to the Bervico3 rendered by Captain Neal.

Mr W. Fettie said that everyone in the district would be gratified to know that Captain Neal’s services had been recognised as they had been that afternoon. They all admired the way in which Captain Neal had performed bis duties, not only in connection with the Union Company, bnt also as a private oitizen. Captain Kennedy expressed pleasure at the opportunity afforded him of saying a few words. He had known him for over twenty years, having previously had command of the tinark before Captain Neal toon it over. Captain Neal had shown good seamanship, and had had a fair amount of good lnok ; he had obliged everybody, and had greatly assisted in making matters work smoothly under adverse oironmstanoes at times. He regretted that Captain Neal should be retiring jußt when the work was done under more favorable circumstances, and after he had obtained possession of a better vessel. He sincerely hoped that every happiness would attend Captain and Mrs Neal in the remaining years allotted to them.

' Mr A. F. Kennedy said that aftei so maDy excellent speeches there was little for him to add. It gave him great pleasure io be present, because he probably knew Captain Nesl longer than most of them, being acquainted with him before he oame to Hawke’s Bay. His whole attitude had been one of uniform courtesy thoughout. Mr Kennedy concluded by saying thero was a general feeling of appreciation throughout the presentation, and be could assure Captain Neal that he bad the firm friendship of the people of the district. (App'ause.) Captain Neal feelingly responded,thanking jho gathering for the handsome presents to Mrs Neal and himseK .He had performed his duties to the best of his abilities and it was a pleasure to him to know that he had got on so well with everyone. He did not intend to leave Gisborne and hoped to be among them for many years to come. (Applause.)