MERCHANT NAVY

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 20, 19 October 1942, Page 6

MERCHANT NAVY

Important Part In War Effort

“The most precious cargo carried in the ships of our gallant Merchant Navy cannot be assessed in ■ terms of money. \For these ships carry not only, oil and steel, men, materials and food; but they also carry tlie destiny of civilization,” said the president of the New Zealand Seamen’s Union, Mr. F. P. Walsh, in an address last night. ■■ “These ships carry everything which is necessary for the life of the peoples of the United Nations. They carry the raw materials of war industries. They carry aircraft, tanks, guns, men, and all the equipment of war to the battle fronts. Just as the aircraft carries its bombs to the target, and just as the gun projects its shell at the enemy, so the ships, of the Merchant Navy carry their missiles of war and. industry to the fronts where they are most needed. “When we speak of guns and tanks and planes, let us never, therefore, forgetto add ships—ships—and more ships. When we speak of the crews of our aircraft, our guns, and our tanks, let us also speak of the crews of our ships—not only our ships of war, but the gallant men of the Merchant Navy. ■ “In Great Britain the food of the people and the development of war industry depend upon one thing—ships. Here in New Zealand, our dependence on this final and vital lifeline —sea carriage—is just as tremendous. “Our record production of ibutter, cheese, meat, wool, millions of tins of food, battledress, boots, and thousands upon thousands of tons of food and equipment have all been safely taken away from our ports by the Mercantile Marine. Our stores are practically clear. .It is a'miracle of achievement. Day in and day out the ships have called, loaded, and sai ledaway. They have sailed out. to fjice ad the terrible dangers of modern war. let our men have gone cheerfully. Seamen, officers, engineers, cooks, stewards—-all have gone forth knowing what they have to face, and facing it with resolute courage. Not once has there been a delay through a ship being short-handed at sailing time. “Let us always remember that. these men helped to save civilization, and it is up to us to see that fn the new civilization we can offer to the men of the sen some of the comforts and privilege® ■that they have preserved for us. The two letters ‘M.N.’—the badge of the Merchant Navy—should forever be a symbol of service, a badge of courage, an inspiration for strength, and a constant reminder of a debt we owe.