PAPERSPAST

The Ovalau Firemen.

We do not always remember what is due to the men in the stokeholds of our engine-driven ships, but the Ovalau firemen have reminded us in a manner which cannot be overlooked. We do not suppose that they were exceptional men; only very typical men. Yet when duty called them and the safety of the Ovalau depended on their doing it, they kept her fires going under conditions and to a degree which will make the story of it live immortalised among the stories of the sea. Whether or not the lascar firemen of the Federal mail line would have done as well or not we leave to their advocates. We can only say it is not their tradition. All we know is that these unknown Ovalau stokers did a heroic thirisr, none the lass heroic because they Cid it without thinking there was very much in it. And it reminds us that in the fiercest storms as in the deadliest calms, no matter what is going on above, the stokers must be kept at their work below. Upon their hard and distressing toil the motion of the modern steamer depends. Ashore the British fireman may have his weaknesses, but afloat the Ovalau story tells us that in the hour of danger he can be depended upon to play the man with unflinching courage.

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