Presentation to a Member of the South Shields Life Brigade.—On Friday night, a special meeting of the South Shields Life Brigade was held for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr W. Wright, captain of the 4th division of the Brigade, who is about to leave Shields for Constantinople. The chair was taken by Mr Archibald Stevenson, who said it was with deep regret that they had assembled together that evening. They were going to lose one of their best members and one who was liked by all the Brigade. Mr Wright had been with the Brigade since its formation, and he had worked hard. Whenever his services were required he was at his post, and he had done his duty nobly. He did not think there was a member who would raise a complaint against him. Though sorry to lose such a member they were glad that he was going to better his position. He was glad the Brigade had felt it their duty to give Mr Wright some little remembrance of the many hours he had spent amongst them. When he looked upon the testimonial which would be presented to him, he would think of the watch house on the pier, and wish once more he was amongst them. Mr Stevenson then turned to Mr Wright, and handed him a gold medal and an Albert chain, saying in doing so, that it was with great pleasure indeed that he presented him with that small token of respect from the members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.—The medal bore the following inscription:—"Presented to Captain W. Wright, of the 4th division of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade;” and on the other side there was a representation the Brigade House. —Mr Wright acknowledged the testimonial with sincere thanks, and said when he looked at it he would always remember the Brigade and their Watch-house. As the Chairman had said, he had been a member since the commencement, and he could honestly say he had always done his duty to the best of his ability. (Applause.) — The proceedings in connection with the presentation then concluded. Refreshments were afterwards handed round to the members, and the meeting was protracted for sometime
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 28 February 1870