THE WAKATU'S MISHAPS.

Patea Mail, 22 September 1882, Page 3

THE WAKATU'S MISHAPS.

Directors of the Patea S.S. Company have given bonuses to their officers, as explained in the manager’s letter to Captain Bonner, as follows:—lam instructed by my directors to convey to you their entire satisfaction at the able and judicious management you have displayed on the two occasions of the Wakatn’s stranding, which they feel sure was not in the least caused by your want of judgment, nor that of the officers and seamen nnder your command, but was merely the result of insufficiency of water in the river; and the directors believothat had you not shown unusual skill on these occasions, the loss to all concerned would have been far heavier, or even the entire loss of the vessel would have . accrued. The directors farther wish me to assure yon that they feel entire confidence in your seamanship, and believe yon have acted since your appointment for the best interests of your employers. Allow me also personally entirely to coincide in the directors’ opinion, and to thank you for your assistance and ready compliance with my wishes on behalf of the company. 1 have great pleasure in forwarding you, as a slight token of the confidence of the company, a cheque for five guineas for your acceptance. The manager’s letter to Mr Ryan, the engineer, enclosed a cheque for three guineas, “ as a slight token of the untiring energy and willingness with which yon assisted in rescuing the vessel from the dangerous positions in which she has unfortunately been placed on the two last trips, and to assure yon that the directors and myself feel every confidence in your ability and wish to act for the interests of the company.” A letter to the mate, Mr T. Gibbons, was to the same effect, and enclosed two guineas for his acceptance.