COUSIN OF THE DUCHESS

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1926, Page 7

COUSIN OF THE DUCHESS

APPRENTICE ON STEAMER. I The second officer pointed down the hatch to where there showed a boot on an idly-swung foot. “There he is,” he said. “Hey, you!” The boot disappeared and beside a stanchion a cheerful face appeared. “Good day,” said the face. Come down.” A dive through a narrow companionway, a monkey climb down a steep iron ladder, and the hold was gained, says the New Zealand Times. Down on the lower deck of the Port Sydney stevedores were unloading big drums of petrol. And from above an apprentice with a broad smile and sunny head watched them work. It was Mr. Malcolm Bowes-Lyon, a cousin of the Duchess of York. Three years have passed since young Bowes-Lyon left his training school in the South of England and went to sea. “I wanted to go into the Navy, but missed,” he said regretfully. “Most of our fellows went into the Navy or else into the Flying Corps. That is the life. I mean to have a go at it when I get my second, mate’s ticket. Not a career, perhaps, but good while it lasts, eh?” Again the broad smile. “Yes, Lord Strathmore is an uncle of mine. The Duchess of York is my second cousin. But we live in Edinburgh, and they are some distance away. The family—”(he grinned family is large enough. I couldn’t count ’em. And they’re scattered all over the world. “Like the life? Of course I do. But it gets monotonous at times.” He nodded to where the two watersiders were bringing two more drums to rest in the sling with just the action that had marked all t'heir efforts for the past hour. “Still it’s an interesting life, isn’t u?”