THE SPIRIT OF OUR SEAMEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3251, 5 July 1916, Page 9

THE SPIRIT OF OUR SEAMEN.

■ -o The following stories, which are printed in the Melbourne Shipping Index of a recent date, serve to throw into relief the spirit of the men who ** go down to the sea in ships " : —• Some seamen of this stirring period would easily serve Cicero could he return to this planet as potent examples for incorporation in his "De Scncctuto." Take, for example, the case of Chief Gunner Israel Harding, V.C., who has proved himself not too old; at 84 years of age. Although on the retired list of the .Royal Navy, the call of King and country proved irresistible to him. Long since past three score years and ten, working over waters, strewn with mines by the Huns, that gallant seaman has been risking life and limb for his Motherland. At the commencement of the war, when some shore slackers were keeping well out of the limelight lest conscription in the most unlovely form should woo them, Mr Harding, despite his age and arduous past services, offered himself to the authorities for disposal. He was appointed to the command of a mine-sweeping craft over the North Sea. After three such vessels had been blown up under his feet, he was transferred to the Dardanelles. There he has had one leg shattered, and is thus compelled to seek shelter in a convalescent home. Like father, like son, is a proverb that rings true in this family. Two of that British naval hero's sons were killed at boos, and two are serving on board ships of the Royal Navy. The sea is a jealous mistress. With 11.M.5. India went down a young midshipman. R.N.R., Mr P. B. Potter, the only surviving son of Captain Potter, who had just previously had a narrow - escape from drowning when his vessel was sunk by a German submarine. The eldest son of Captain Potter was lost in the sailing ship Kate. Thomas, which was run down in 1910; the second son was lost in the sailing snip Dunreggan, not long since posted as missing. A shipmaster of Shanghai, over 60 years of age, Captain W. V. Carrnichael, offered his services to tho Government for war work in any capacity. Ho was informed by telegram that he had received a special appointment, and made for England by way of Siberia. Other instances of like nature are vot far to seek.