LATE CAPTAIN BOLLONS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1929, Page 2

LATE CAPTAIN BOLLONS

GOVERNOR-GEXER AL’S TRIBUTE.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 11

“I think we may all thank God for having known him, for the example of his life lived honourably, faithfully, and without reproach and for tlie inspiration -that comes to us from such a life,” said tlio Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergussoii) at All Saints Church, Kilbirnie, yesterday ■ morning, when paying a striking tribute to the memory of Captain John Bullous, 1.5.0., late Master of tlie Government steamer Tutanekai. It was the occasion of the unveiling of a memorial tablet on the south wall of the church presented by the officers and crew of his late ship. The congregation, which crowded The church, included representatives of the Government Departments and the staffs of the lighthouses, in addition to the widow and family of the Captain. “i feel it a great honour,” said lys Excellency,’> to have been asked to unveil and dedicate to the memory of Captain Bollons a memorial tablet in this church to-day. It happens, I am told, to •he the anniversary of his birthday. Nothing could fee more appropriate, nothing would give him more pleasure than that his own shipmates should have conceived this memorial and gathered here to-day to honour his memory. He was a man whose attributes would he very difficult to-sum up in a fow words, First of all, lie was a- groat sea man. He was such a man, who, in other clays, might well have been inspired as was Captalq. Cook, He was a man who loved the. sea'and everything connected with it, He read widely and had a wonderful store of knowledge. He was a horn scientist and loved all Nature and everything pertaining to it.

“But what wo most of all want to remember,” continued Sir Charles, “is the personality of tire man himself. He was simple, kindly, lovable, with high principles, integrity and uprightness. His sense of duty, with his frankness and .love qf truth, inspired with .confidejicb all with whom he came into contact. All faces lightened np at the very sight of him. He brought sunshine with him, and his death brought sorrow ; to many hearts. He had been honoured by the King with the Imperial Service Order for faithful service—long days of faithful service to pod, King, and country, and to h i s,,fpllowmen., He leaves behind him a precious memory. I know- his word to us would be simple and plain,, just ‘carry on.’ ’’