THE FINEST SAILORS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1725, 16 April 1913, Page 8

THE FINEST SAILORS

—•-—— LADS FROM THE COUNTJiT., An interesting statement was mode-nt the annual meeting in Liverpool of fchw Lancashire; (Navy League) and National Sea Training lloine lor Poor Boys by Commnuder Mac Nab. Boys from tlio agricultural districts, such as Leicestershire and Hertfordshire made tho best mariners, lie, said, after a period of training at tho home. Sir John Gray Hill, who presided, said that they had accommodation and equipment -for 3GO boys, hut they could only deal with Nil) boys heeniiso of lark of funds- for their- maintenance and fitting out for sea. Largely owing to tl'io efforts of Mr.- Leslio Scott, M.V., they had received a promise from the Government, of .£lO per head, but the. cost of maintaining and fitting out n lad was not less than j;SO, although the strictest cconoiuy was exercised. He appealed to wealthy , shipowners in the time of their harvest to think of the value of sea I milling both.' to the boys and to the shipowners them-; selves. * The Government would spend money mi reforming criminals and in helping clippies, and he hoped that'they keep - their promise and help to .give a certain and honourable career to deserving lads. Every boy trained afthe- home was certain of a position in the mercantilo marine or in tho Navy, nnd, moreover, he was housed nnd cared, for for two years after leaving the home when he returned from his voypges. .