SCHOOL ON THE SEA.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 806, 2 May 1910, Page 8

SCHOOL ON THE SEA.

, It is expected that the Victorian training ship, the John Murray, will be ready to take boys aboard about the end of June. Tho ship is being thoroughly re-1 paired and altered so as to mate it suit-1 able for accommodating 200 boys. Origin--, ally she was named the Loch Ryan, and was used for cargo only. To make her suitable as a training' ship, portholes are being cut all along what will be the main deck. Tho boys' quarters will be on tho orlop deck, and arrangements axo now being made for cabins and beds. Tho Loch B.yan was purchased with all her furnishings, which include an old piano, kitchen utensils, and all manner of equipment necessary for a sailing ship. The original cost was only £5000, but it is estimated that, about £6000 more win have to be spent to convert the vessel into a training ship. All the interior is to be painted white. "Our objcct," said Mr. Boyd, the chairman of the committee, largely to take boys who at present are beyond the control of their parents away from evil influences, and to give them effective training and moral discipline. _ Other boys who havo a desire for a life on the sea will also bo taken. The committee will try to find avenues of employment for the boys. in the Australian navy or in tho merchant service. No doubt a proportion of tho boys will seok a life ashore. They will have benefited by the education Ihoy will have received, and will thlus be more qualified for the life they may elect to follow."