Presentation to Captain Ferguson - 23 September 1882
The Williamstown Chronical
The quarterly supper of the Pipeclay Club was held at Melbourne on the 14th inst., on which occasion a Captain G. Ferguson was the recipient of a pleasing compliment. A number of that gentleman's brother officers in the force, hearing of his approaching departure to settle in South Australia, determined to take advantage of the meeting to hand to him a souvenir of the esteem in which he is held. After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed, Major J. M. Templeton, the president of the club, presented to Captain Ferguson a handsome tea and coffee service, suitably engraved, also a beautiful album for Mrs. Ferguson, with the compliments of the Pipeclay Club. In doing so, Major Templeton assured him that this testimonial was not of the stereotyped style of parting gifts, but was intended as a genuine sign of sincere admiration of him as a friend, an officer, and a gentleman. His loss would be felt not only as a member of the club, but also as a volunteer; more especially by his brother officers of the Williamstown Artillery. It might not be generally known that Captain Ferguson's father had the honor of forming the old Naval Brigade, and afterwards the Williamstown Artillery, so he was speaking to an officer who had worthily followed in the footsteps of a worthy father. He (the president) wished him God-speed in his new home, and expressed a wish that he would not soon forget the Pipeclay Club, or the Victorian Volunteer Force. Colonel Hutton then expressed to Captain Ferguson his personal regret at losing one of his best officers and endorsed all that Major Templeton had said concerning him.
Captain Ferguson who was cordially received, expressed to the gentlemen present his appreciation of the honor paid him so unexpectedly. He severed his connection with the force with much greater regret than perhaps he would be given credit for, but he could assure them that some of the happiest hours of his life had been spent in the service. Captain Ferguson was warmly cheered during his remarks, and sat down amidst a perfect storm of applause.
After the presentation, the president handed to Captain Ferguson an illuminated certificate (the first one issued) as an original member of the club. The testimonial was prepared on very short notice, the officers readily subscribing towards such a worthy object. Captain Brown E. H. A. initiated the movement, together with Major Blannin and Captain Perrin.
Article identifier http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70006612 Page identifier http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page6451278 PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN FERGUSON. (1882, September 23). Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70006612