MARINE ENGINEERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 211, 25 May 1918, Page 8

MARINE ENGINEERS

Sir,—ln answer to "Brass 'Bounder," who suggests, and would like to know, why fifty men or more, holding firstclass certificates, and are i;i the Second Division,'do not replace the First Division, exempted sine die to maintain tho various maritime services: About two t years ago the Union Steam Ship Company wrote to every engineer nshore from north to south of New Zealand, asking if they would take the positions of eligible men on the boats, and so release them to go to the front, and in every case'the answer, was No. Ihey . did not want to leave their comfortable positions ashora for discomforts at sea. Now the Second* Division are called up, "Brass Bounder" suggests that the First Division should be ousted -out, and that the Second Division should take their place. In justice to many of. tins junioc, engineers who were anxious to enlist; when their brothers and friends enlisted, ■ and were advised to stand by their ships ; and do their bit, and so keep the wheels of commerce going, it should be pointed out that they have nobly done so, though hard it has been to 'them to return to hear of their brothers and school. friends haying fallen or been maimed, j Now "Brass Bounder" would send them , as conscripts. Many of these' young en- | gineers have married, and,many support j their' aged fathers and mothers, and | many help to make comfortable tli^ir; fallen ■brothers' families. Where Is tno J "^A C MOTHER AND WIFE OF EN. GINEEUS AT SEA.