HOW I WON PROMOTION

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 201, 26 August 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

HOW I WON PROMOTION

Became Acting-Trimmer Shortly after leaving Albany we shipped a very heavy sea, by way of company orders, which read: "It has come under the notice of O.C. troops that several men have not had. a bath since leaving Wellington. To-morrow morning all men will parade on the main deck to be hosed by the ship's firefighting apparatus. This order to remain in force until further notice." There were some uncomplimentary remarks in reference to this order. In the morning, while the parade was in progress, my sergeant ordered me to join, but I refused. He said, "You heard the order t" I said, "Yes. I heard the order, but lam no cow. And as you say you are going to report me I am prepared to take what's coming." By 8.30 a.m. I was much inquired for and was told to get into my pretties, with some hurry up along with it, as I had to report to orderly room at nine, being then under open arrest with prospects of "dusting the carpet." I was charged with mutinous conduct on EM. transport on the high seas while on active service. I pleaded not guilty, but the remarks I had made the night before went against me. I was found guilty and sentenced to four days' ship's duty with a reminder to see that I attended future parades. I was afterwards taken down to the coal bunkers and introduced to the barrow, and had to wheel coal from the for'ard bunkers to a recess adjacent to the stokehold. Before finishing my sentence a fireman reported sick, the trimmer taking his place. I acted as trimmer in the meantime. After my "term of office" had expired I continued the watch, as the fireman had not reported for duty up to the time we reached Colombo. Who said I'd never bit-e the dust? THE TRIMMER,