ON THE OCEAN WAVE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 291, 28 August 1918, Page 6

ON THE OCEAN WAVE

» MANY NEW ZEALANDERS OFFERING

A SAILORS' SOCIAL

, SPEECH BY MINISTER OF MARINE Tho anniversary meeting of tho Sailors' friend Society was hold last evening. to-'J. M i nister of Marino (Hon. T. M. Wilford) presided. In tho course of an address, Mr. Wiliol'd i expressed pleasure at seeing tho Amolcura boys present, ami on behalf ot those in charge of the institution, ho woleomed tliem, Sinco ho had become ,m? , Marine ouo thing which had struck him was the number of young men in this country who wished to become sailors. He (and many others) had thought that although we were an island Dominion few were offering for maritinio pursuits, but he was astonished to find that there was really a large number offering. _ He could fill tho Amokura tomorrow if every boy left to-day. The paronts of the boys were satisfied with the caro of the boys. Past history had demonstrated the success of the experiment. AVere this not war-time—a time when funds wero needed for war purposes—ho would advocate tho purchase of another ship. Tho Amokura bovs had done well. If those boys could only appreciate what opportunities they had oven in tho little Ainokura, ho felt that they would devote themselves to their tasks with even greater eagerness (if that were possible). He Tepeated that but for it being war-time he would advocate that another ship should be purchased. After all, it would be a great investment. In tho future, of courso, there would be opportunities to join that great and wonderful Navy which had saved civilisation. What a bulwark it had' been! If Prance was overrun, and Jtaly conquered, the Germans would still nave to fight the British Navy, the American Navy, and the Japanese Navy. And they could not fight tho British Navy. a,lone. Ho had suggested, but the I suggestion had not been adopted, that j a stamp should be issued so that when j one got a letter he would find on it: j "This letter reaches you through the 1 might of tho British Navy." How it ! had been demonstrated that the British j sailor played the game! That there was . such a thing as playing tho game tho I Germans did not realise. Tho British sailor played the game of war cloanly j and above board, and without low cunning. The Germans had never learned J that. Not one instanco could bo pointed ! to of British sailors not playing tho I game. Even if they sank a vessel they rißked their lives to save the enemy | who wore in the water. Look on the other side of the picture! The Germans said: "Sink without leaving a trace!" That was an instruction to German sea men.

Some people wished for tho German Fleet to come out and fight, but ho doubted if there was anything to gain by that. AYe knew, of course, what tho result would bo, but we could gain no greater victory on sea than we had already won. Lives would have to be risked for a victory which would give iis' nothing more than wo now had, for not a German merchant ship sailed the' seas. If there was one thing the war had shown it was that Jack Tar and Tommy Atkins were gallant gentlemen. It was hard to tell when tho war would end, but, whenever it did, let us bo worthy of it! The results of the war would be great, and chiefly in the consciences of men when the thunder of the cannon had rolled away.

A resolution, which wa3 carried enthusiastically, expressed . admiration of tho glorious work of our sailors in tho war. The meeting also expressed sympathy with the relatives of the 6eamen who had lost their lives.

On the motion of Mr. W. Allan, chairman of the committee of the institute, it was resolved: "That this meeting regrets that Mrs. M. A. Williams, who so generously donated this building, is unable, through ill-liealth, to he present tonight, but at the same time rejoices that' she is still with us and able to take an active part in the good work which is so holpful to thousands of seamen of all creeds who visit this port."

The . chairman' (remarked that Mre. Williams did good work in various directions; she was one whom they could ill afford to lose.

A resolution was passed commending the work of the mission to the practical and prayerful sympathy of the public,, and thanking the mission workers and voluntary helpers. A, special vote was acoorded Mr.-and Mrs. Moore.

■A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. AVilfonl, for (as the mover put it) "the excellent manner in which he had presided." , Items of entertainment were given by Mrs. Douglas, Messrs. W. Gnudie, J l . Eeevea, and O'Connor. Miss F. Gibson Smith played the accompaniments.