NAVY TRADITIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 24, 20 May 1914, Page 4

NAVY TRADITIONS.

Discussing naval matters and the changes that, of late years, have come about, the “Lyttelton Times” savs: One by one the old Navy traditions are going. The seasoned tar who could take his three dozen lashes before breakfast and joke about it afterwards is as dead as the moa. The topmen and the gymnasts who struggled with acres of canvas aloft have given place to a tribe of expert mechanics and engine-room artificers and electricians, whoso varied handicrafts would have filled the old-time sailor with mingled feelings of wonder and contempt. Through all These changes the grog tub has survived, one of the few relics of Nelson’s days, but non even this sacred institution is in danger. Admiral King-Hall told a Band of Hopo Conference in Loudon this week that ho believed half the men in the British fleet would surrender their grog if a small wage increment were substituted. As a teetotal sailor he condemned the practice of serving out grog and considered the bluejackets would be more efficient without it. It is not difficult to picture the disgust which these revolutionary sentiments would arouse in the breasts of the fine old crusted naval commanders in the London clubs. When flogging was abolished in the Navy the officer of the sturdy old school made vehement protest. The service, he declared, was going to the dogs. Yet the Royal Navy has come through very well without the cat-o’-nine tails which not so very long ago was considered an indispensible moans of keeping a crew up to the mark. The grog custom may yet disappear as completely as has the less cheerful old fashion of rigging the gratings and piping all hands to witness punishment.” The Navy s sobriety has increased in proportion to its increased technical skill, and a sailor who does not relish his rum is no longer an object of derision by his mates.