THE CRUISER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 252, 1 December 1914, Page 1

THE CRUISER.

Swift and sturdy, dark and grim, Built for service, not for show, With my upper hamper trim, And my furnaces aglow, Night and day I scour the main For the cruisers of our foe. Where the eye can hardly peer Thro' the North Sea's misty loom, Where the fretful Channel's chops Scarcely give me safe sea-room. Ne'er cease I my sentry-go Calm or tempost, shine or gloom. Where the grey Atlantic waves In their might, resistless roll, 'Mid the storm-vex't Tasman Seas That the shores can scarce control, O'er the long Pacific swell I pursue my lone patrol. Thus I keep the sea-lanes clear That the Empire may be fed, That the poorest of our race May receive his daily bread, And the weakest xA our ships Of the foe may have nQ dread. And throughout my lonely tas&x I have only one idea— That the Lord who rules the earth May upon the sea be near, And, in hours of deepest doubt, Show my path of duty clear. —Clive H. J. Wily.