Physical description

Large, bound page containing an ornate certificate of appreciation. Includes coloured paintings of ships at sea, the beach, stag, seagulls, the Huddart Parker and Co Flag, Australian flowers and vegetative illustrations. Borders of the page are red leather with gold pattern.

Outside is red leather binding with gold writing and decoration

Inscriptions & markings

Left inside page: "James Huddart Esqr./ Managing Director/ Mess ts Huddart Parker & Co Limited/ Melbourne/ Dear Sir/ Having become aware that you are about to leave for the purpose of opening/ a London Office, with a view to the future expansion of the Company's business, and the promotion of the/ interests of the company generally, we the Ships Office, and the Staff of the Head and/ Branch Offices in Australia, consider the occasion opportune to record our appreciation of you as/ Managing Director of such an enterprising Company as that of Huddart Parker and Co. Limited, and to/ give expression to the feelings of kindest regard which we, each and all, have for you as the result of/ frequent business contact./ The kindness which yourself and Mrs Huddart have exhibited towards us at various/ times in providing for our entertainment and enjoyment, as expressive of the sympathy and kindly/ feelings with which you regard your employees, are not likely to be soon forgotten by us./ In conclusion, we desire to tender Mrs. Huddart, yourself and your family our hearty/ good wishes for a pleasant voyage, and for the Health and Happiness during your residence in/ England and trust that when your mission is accomplished we shall have you amongst us/ again in Australia."
"Ferguson & Mitchell/ Illuminators/ Melbourne"
Right inside page: "Fear God/ Ferguson & Mitchell. Melbourne"
Artist signature: "Alfred Adov"
written in pencil: "PWO 1265"

Outside, Front Page: "Presented to/ James Huddart Esqr./ By the officers of/ Messrs.. Huddart Parker & Co. Limd/ Melbourne 13th March 1891"