THE SHIP CANTERBURY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 101, 26 September 1874, Page 3

THE SHIP CANTERBURY.

Captain Strachan, of the good ship Canterbury, invited a number of friends from Christchurch and Lyttelton to a substantial luncheon on board that vessel yesterday. The party proceeded on board in the s.s. Mullogh, which, under the skilful guidance of Captain Cameron, soon reached the vessel. The party then made a lengthened tour of inspection through the vessel, and professed themselves well satisfied with the capital arrangements on board, and the exquisite cleanliness of the ship, which is really wonderful considering that she is taking ballast on board. It was a very beautiful day, and every one appeared heartily to enjoy the trip. After a thorough inspection, the visitors sat down to a substantial luncheon, which every one attacked as if the sea air had sharpened their appetites. Amongst those present we noticed his Honor the Superintendent, Messrs Mills (of the Customs), C. W. Turner, H. P. MurrayAynsley, George and Joseph Gould, March, McLellan, Maude, Inglis, Saunders, Wood, Captain Logan, Anderson, Hassal, S. S. Eevans, J. Cameron, Attkins (of Edwards, Bennett, and Co), Saunders, and Wilson.

Luncheon being concluded, Mr Inglis rose and said he was always glad when he had to'make a speech of getting rid of it at once. His task was a pleasant one ; it was asking them to drink the health of the Superintendent, a gentleman whom they knew took the greatest interest in the province. That gentleman had taken part in everything that had conduced to the prosperity of the province; He need say nothing more; they all knew Mr Rolleston, and he was sure would all join him heartily in drinking his health. The toast was then drunk with cheers. His Honor said he was glad to partake of Captain Strachan’s hospitality. As Mr Inglis had said he had been in office for a long time, and had always tried to do everything in his power to promote the prosperity of the'provioce. There|was no greater test of prosperity than the magnificent ships in the harbour like the one in which they now were, and the great improvements being made in the harbour. Without a good harbour railways could not be of much benefit, and so he thoroughly believed in making the facilities for procuring water, ballast, etc, greater. His executive gave these matters great attention, and he knew Mr Maude took a great interest in it. He supposed Mr Inglis looked upon this as his last words as a superintendent, but he felt an apprehension of immediate death, and if it came he would meet it with equanimity. [Laughter.] He hoped they would drink heartily the health he had to propose, that of Captain Strachan, This was not the first successful voyage that gentleman had made to Canterbury, and he was proud to propose his health, and thanked him in the name of the company for the hospitality they had enjoyed that day. Drunk with cheers. Captain Strachan rose to return thanks for the kind manner in which they had expressed their feelings towards him. He was proud of being the commander of such a fine vessel, and his only regret was that he should have to seek for a cargo in another port and leave them in ballast. He hoped next time to be here not at this dull part of the year, between the grain and wool season. In conclusion, he begged to drink the health of the N. Z. Shipping Company, coupling it with the name of Mr Joseph Gould, Drunk with cheers.

Mr Joseph Gould rose to respond. He was jnhch obliged fpr the way in which the-(Com-pany had drank his health and that of the company he represented. He saw several 6f the directors there more capable of returning thanks than he was. They all knew the objects of the company, and what it had done. [Hear, hear.] He hoped to meet Captain Strachan again, and that they would then be able to give him the cargo he wished for. He only regretted they could not do so at the present moment. [Hear, hear.] Mr 0. W. Turner rose to propose “ The health of the good ship Canterbury and the Albion Shipping Company,” She was a fine ship, and others had also visited their shores, viz, the Christian McAusland, and Jessie Headman. On another occasion Captain Strachan had arrived in ballast and gone away full of wool. He had received great kindness at home, notably from Mr J. Galbraith. [Cheers.] Captain Logan, in reply, stated that the Albion Company made it a rule to sail A 1 vessels. The ship they were in was Al. He could only reiterate Captain Strachan’s regret that she had to leave in ballast. [Cheers,] The party then adjourned, after a very pleasant afternoon, which we are sure was enjoyed by all present. The good ship sails for Calcutta early next week, and we wish her and her captain and officers a quick and pleasant passage.