On the 23rd ultimo a large gathering of the Customs' Staff assembled at the Customs' Club to enjoy an excellent smoking concert arranged in honour of Mr. C. Dawson, the popular Chief Tidesurveyor, who is shortly leaving for a well earned holiday.
During an interval in the programme, Mr. Ferguson presented Mr. Dawson with a handsome suit case with silver fittings. In doing so he expressed, on behalf of the Outdoor Staff, appreciation of the just and tactful manner in which Mr. Dawson had carried on the many and onerous duties of Chief Tidesurveyor. His straightforward manner had inspired the Staff with confidence, and they knew that his decisions were always influenced by a sense of justice to all. He had not confined his interest to the Staff to the officers alone. but also considered their families, as evidenced by the inauguration of the Customs Mutual Benefit A: sociation, and his continued it terest (sometimes under very adverse circumstances) had made a success. (Applause). This Institution had been a great help to many 2 bereaved family at a time when help was most needed, and this was possible chiefly through Mr. Dawson's untiring efforts as President of the Association. (hear hear).
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.