HOT, BUT HEARTY ON H.M.S. PHILOMEL.

Evening Post, Volume xc, Issue 79, 1 October 1915, Page 5

HOT, BUT HEARTY ON H.M.S. PHILOMEL.

MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN. "Our troubles are principally concerned with trying heat, but if we could only get a bit of a fight now and again we would be all right," says Captain Hall-Thompson, commander of H.M.S. Philomel, in a breezy sailor's letter to the Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence. It is impossible for military reasons to disclose the locality and nature of the Philomel's work, but it surely can. be said that her service has been excellent in trying conditions " where a man can raise a thirst." The captain writes appreciatively of the gift butter and apples which were sent from thoughtful folks in New Zealand to the crew of a ship which is. after all, "our own." The butter arrived in excellent condition, but some of the apples had, owing to long journeyings after the Philomel in unfavourable conditions, become tainted. Those which were good, however, were so excellent that every man on board, from commander down to " powder monkey," is an Oliver Twist. They want more. Needless to say, the Minister of Defence- will remember them when the apple season comes round "I am unable to write to each donor," says Captain Hall-Thompson, "so I hope you will publicly express to them the thanks of the ship's company." The commander mentions that the gift harmonium and gramophone arrived in excellent condition, and are much appreciated. "We seem fated,'' remarks the captain, "to remain in the hottest parts of the earth. Our great difficulty is_ to get fresh food. Having no refrigerators, we cannot take more than one day's v supply of fresh meat. . . A fight now and again would cheer things up." In view of the fact that the butter and sheep's tongues " carried " so well, the Minister will make arrangements to send another supply.