The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1920. THE HEROIC SEAMEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1920. THE HEROIC SEAMEN.

The admirable scheme propounded and developed by Mr. E. Newman, M.P., having for its object the creation of a fund out of any profits derived by sheep-farmers, over and above the priee at which their wool was taken by the Imperial Government, to be devoted to the benefit of British seamen, was one that should have papealed to the benevolence and patriotism of the producers. It was during the war this idea was conceived, when it was impossible to form any approximate estimate of the extent of these surplus profits, but patriotism was at a high level, and it was recognised that the prosperity of the producers of the Dominion had been made possible only by the courage and daring of the seamen who took the wool and other produce through the danger zones, not knowing at any minute whether it would be their last. Although the heroism and devotion to duty of these dauntless men will never be forgotten, theirs was fhe silent and unobtrusive contribution to the Empire's cause. Whether they were rewarded or not had no effect on their discharge of a voluntary duty that was one succession of terrible risks, but that they earned some practical recognition of their invaluable services is beyond all question. Mr. Newman's scheme was put forward as a means of testifying that recognition, and it should have met with a full response. Only about one-fourth of the sheepowners, however, agreed to hand over their share of the surplus profits. Even that proportion would have established a fund that would have proved of benefit to the men for whom it was intended, but out of that number about forty-four subsequently withdrew their promise, and the trustees of the fund, after receiving legal advice, recommended that these men should be allowed to withdraw. Considering that the surplus to be distributed by the Imperial Government amounts to £1,600,000, it is easy to see what a splendid fund could have been created. At the meeting of representatives of the wool-growers interested, held last week at Wellington, it was suggested that a further effort should be made to enlarge the number of subscribers, and it is to be hoped the suggestion will bear good fruit. Those who supported the movement at the outset and are loyally carrying out their agreement deserve hearty commendation, and their action is worthy of being recorded in the annals of the country. It is always the willing people who bear the brunt of self-sacrifice, and it is by no means rare that the wealthy hold aloof. That is why in voluntary effort self-sacrifice is unevenly proportioned. "To say well is good, but to do well is

better, Da well is the spirit, and say well the letter; If do well and say well were fitted in

one frame, All were well done, and got were all the gain."