Close association with port

The following story is based upon a real life account written by Forrest Frank based upon a story by Captain John Wyrill. These appeared in the Scarborough Daily Post in 1920 as part of the 'Sea Dogs' stories by Forrest Frank.

The public send off at Launceston to which reference has been made is reported in the Tasmanian "Daily Telegraph" of 4th February 1904 as follows:-

"A large gathering assembled in the Mechanics Institute class room last night, consisting of many friends of Captain J Wyrill, to bid farewell to one of the most popular of the men who have ever been connected with the shipping of Launceston. Captain J Wyrill has decided to retire from the sea on his return to England, and as this is, in all probability, the last opportunity they will have of seeing him in this port, it was decided to make a presentation. The room was appropriately decorated with bunting. The mayor (Alderman J W Pepper) presided, and included in the gathering were several leading shipping representatives, all of whom have been acquainted with Captain Wyrill for some years. Speeches were made by the mayor, the Rev. G.T. Heyward, Mr P.C. Smith, the Rev. Wm Law, Captain Barwood (who said he had been connected with the same vessel as Captain Wyrill many years ago), Mr Geo Cragg, and Mr W. Mosey (who said he had known Captain Wyrill for the last 29 years, and remarked that Captain Wyrill had been so long among the people of Launceston that he was a member of their society; his arrival in port had always been looked forward to). The mayor made the presentation, which consisted of a purse of sovereigns and the following address:- "To Captain John Wyrill. Dear sir, We, a few of your many friends in Tasmanian, have heard with regret that it is not your intention to make another voyage to our port. For over 40 years past yourself and the different good ships under your command have been household words amongst us. Your arrivals and departures have been occasions of public interest throughout all these long years, during which you have contributed in no inconsiderable degree to the advancement of the commercial, social, and religious life of our city. We have learned to value and esteem you as a skilful mariner, an honourable man of business, a warm hearted friend and sincere christian. We cannot therefore, permit you to finally leave us without pubicly expressing our sentiments and assuring you it will afford us the liveliest satisfaction to hear that retirement from your strenuous sea life is followed such quiet eventide as will be altogether satisfactory to yourself and family. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying small purse of sovereigns." "The address was signed on behalf of the subscribers by the Mayor, Messrs C.H. Smith and Co., and the convenors of the meeting. Captain. Wyrill, in returning thanks, said he did so with mingled feelings. He felt a sense of indebtedness to his many true friends for the kindness he had received when in the port. He had no hesitation in saying that the manner in which he had been treated at the various houses had had the effect of making him a better man. The warm welcome he always received had been very gratefully and heartily appreciated. His wife had only made one trip to Launceston with him, and this some years ago, but this visit had left the greenest spot in her memory." A musical evening followed, and their proceedings terminated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and "God save the king."

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