A GOOD LIFEBOATMAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 184, 5 August 1936, Page 22

A GOOD LIFEBOATMAN.

CHILDREN'S VIEWS. The subject this year for the lifeboat essay competition in elementary schools, carried out by the Royal National Liteboat Institution, was, "What are the Qualities Which Make a Good Lifeboatman '!" All the essayists were agreed about the great virtues needed —courage, unselfishness, determination, powers of endurance, good judgment and seamanship, but many found other qualities to be necessary which would greatly surprise the lifeboat-men themselves.

"Wrestling, boxing and a little jiujitsu," says one essayist, "should be known, for times when passengers get into a frenzy and possess superhuman strength." Another foresees the same difiiculties, hut has a gentler method for dealing with them. "The lifeboatman must have charm, because this greatly pacifies terrified women." Gaiety is needed as well as charm. "Tie must be full of frisk and strong and fearless." He must also lie "clever, gentle, infallible and vivacious."

The ability to get up in the middle of the night has impressed a number of the essayists as not only essential but almost superhuman. "I shudder," writes one, "when 1 think of getting lip in the middle of the night, and yet the lifeboatman is always prepared to do so."

Another luis a very simple idea of all that is needed to achieve fitness. "A lifeboatman is required to bo a man with a good appetite to keep his body in good condition."