BATHS FOR BATTLESHIPS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 606, 8 February 1921, Page 2

BATHS FOR BATTLESHIPS.

THE NAVY HAS IMPROVED IN RECENT YEARS Twenty years ago, if our sailors wanted to have a bath, they had to make their own arrangements and manage as best they could. Not only was there no room available for the erection of bathhouses, but fresh water was very scarce' A man who wanted a bath drew his allowance of water and afterwards washed his clothes in it. When he had finished the water was saved for washing down the decks. Now, however, the latest war vessels are fitted up with splendid bath-rooms, The most careful attention is given to our sailors’ food. Nowadays the increased production of tinned foods — vegetables, fruit and so on makes it possible for Jack to be given variety as well. Upon enlistment each man is given a complete kit, and from then onward receives a “kit maintenance allowance,” out of which he has to renew his outfit when necessary. The advantages of this scheme can very edsily be seen.

Men are encouraged to look after their clothes and keep them in good repair, so that they can save some of their allowance, which, of course, comes to them automatically. Pay, perhaps, is the thing in which the greatest changes have occurred in the navy. Even so recently as 1917 the ordinary seaman, whose pay now is 2s 9d, only received Is 3d a day. The able seaman’s pay has jumped from Is 8d to 4s per day, with 3d per day extra after three years’ service as a man. If he rises to be a Chief Petty Officer he may get 9s a day.