MEN OF THE MERCHANT SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3198, 24 September 1917, Page 6

MEN OF THE MERCHANT SERVICE

PORT KEMBLA, OFFICERS AND • ENGINEERS ENTERTAINED. Tho Institute of Marino Engineers and tho Merchant Service Guild on Saturday ovening tendered a reception and smoke concert to the officers and engineers of ■■the Port lvembla, which was sunk off Cape Farewell last -week, cs ,tho result of an explosion. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) presided, and among those present wore the Hon. Sir James Car-j-011, Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P., and Captain Jack, of the Port Kembla. Apologies for absence were received from tho Prime Minister, tho Minister of Justice, and' tho 'Minister of Marino. Tho Mayor, in proposing the toast, "Our Guests," referred to the disaster whicli had indirectly been tho melins of bringing about the gathering that evening. Ho was euro that every man aboard the Port Kembla was one cf . tho good old bulldog breed. It hacl given him tho keenest pleasure to read tbat the captain and one or two other officers were not only the last to leave tho ship, hut actually did not quit until it -was just about to disappear. After sayin? a' few words in appreciation of the work of the mercantile marine, His Worship concluded by extending to tlie guests the hospitality of the city. Captain Jack briefly acknowledged the' welcome. . .

Sir James Carroll, upon the chairman's invitation, addressed the gathering. Sir James said that consideration of what had befallen the Port Kembla brought forcibly to mind all the J.orrors of the present conflict, and made one ask what this world was worth, after all. Were we in a position to-day to congratulate ourselves upon having promoted an<J developed fliose principles and precepts that were laid down to the liumafl family by the Master. He '.was afraid not. . To-day save us set back tqf the first principles of savagery and barbarism. AVe would now have to make a now world. Out of evil, good might come; and he hoped thgt cut of the great evil of the present war the greatest Rood might be produced. 'He hoped that the intelligence of the great commonwealth of the world would lead to one great end—that there should never be another war like this, th&t should be re-enacted those atrocities, but that in the new world of the.generations to some the race would view lifoin a different light, and so come closer to the precept of the Master: unto others as you would that others should do unto you." . . • Mr. Poole proposed "The Mercantile Marine," and spoke with enthusiasm of the deeds of the "great, silent service." Mr. G. • Allport, Secretary for Marine, r « British Forces and Our Noble Allies" was proposed by Captain Chudlev and responded to by Captain Dawson and Mr. H- Macmencn (an American citizen who was aboard! the Port Kembla when tlio explosion occurred. .In the. course of the evening several gentlemen contributed musical items to a most enjoyable programme. Tlie gathering dispersed after .singing .Aula Lang Syne" '