HE KNEW HOW TO PUNISH THEM.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 2265, 15 May 1891, Page 4

HE KNEW HOW TO PUNISH THEM.

On board a man-of-war every member of a ship's company touches his hat when he comes on e'eck. He would do so were there no superior officer present. He "salutes the deck." The custom is typical of every sailor's Bentimeot of, respect, ai miration, and affection for h!s '■088*1, if the cra r t be haudeome and a firat-chsß pea-boat The strength of this sailor loya'ty was we'l understood by an Eng i*h officer, the late Contain Hall. Captain Hall was in command of a remarkably five frigate on the South African station, which he always kept in -xquisite order, and of which he and the crew were justly proud. The handsome bust on "htr beautiful figurehead was brightly gilded and great care was tak°n of it. On one occasion the harmony which usually prevailed on board was in some way disturbed. Instead of resorting to corporal punishment, Captain Hall summoned tho men aft, and in a simple, manly speech, pointed out the imr)'-op i< iet;y of their conduct. He concluded thus : — "So now, my lads, if this re not put an end to, and hearty good-will rpstored, I'll blackon your figure-head and put the ship in mourning." Had a bombshell fallen at th^ir feet the men could not have been mor° astonished. He had touched the right chord. Have thpir figure head blackened ! Not they ; anything rather than that. They at once resumed their wonted good behaviour and amiability.