COMPENSATION IN THE NAVY,

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 25, 24 October 1918, Page 7

COMPENSATION IN THE NAVY,

■__ 6 When one of Hie Majesty's ships goes down she takes with her not only mighty engines, guns of great price, and a vast store of war gear, but also all the worldly possessions of most of her crew, lne survivors are often rescued clad m little more than when they came into the world; indeed, it not infrequently happens tnat a man who has been entirely reclothed in the rescuing ship loses everything again a few hours later. Tho Admiralty allows him a complete new kit, but claims must bo made witliin a month before a board which consists of two or three officers, ono ot. whom is generally a paymaster. Any claim for loss of plain clothes ,ie ruled out at once. Sometimes these claims verge on-the ludicrous when Jack draws a ( long bow in a not unnatural desire to 'marfo a "'. . . an' a ditty-bos with a gold ring, an' a watch that cost fivo pun ten. • * 9 "Kings, not allowable, one pound only as compensation for watch," breaks in the unemotional .voice of one of the °" 1 ' . an' a toothbrush," continues Jack, thrown off his balance and making a bad shot in consequence. Tho paymaster adjusts his (invana.be) eye-glasses. "Smile!" he suggests politely The bluejacket does so—a wide, forced grin which reveals two rows of tobaccostained teeth "Claim for toothbrush disallowed— next, please," And Jack goes out to confide his wrongs He is a good sort—true blue te the end -and he knows My Lords will grant hie just claims to the last farthing; lie knowe also, none bettor, that one doe 3 not look for a fortune in tho lioyal Navy these bad times. But, I ask you, what would life bo without nn occasional grumble ?—D.H., in the "Daily Mail."