MERCHANT MEN HONOURED

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1934, Page 7

MERCHANT MEN HONOURED

MASTERS AT NAVAL DINNER. “BRING THE SERVICES TOGETHER.” The Admiralty has during recent years attempted to bring about a greater understanding and fellowship between naval officers and officers of the merchant fleets. In furtherance of this policy a new departure was made at the annual dinner of the Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich, on June 28, when .30 masters representative of 30 of the principal merchant shipping fleets of the world were invited to attend. Captain W. G. Higgs, of the Port Gisborne, which is at present at New Plymouth, attended on behalf of the C. and D. Line. There were 300 naval officers in fuU mess uniforms, said Captain Higgs. The merchantmen attended in mufti. When he arrived he was met by an officer, who acted as host for the whole evening, said Captain Higgs. The merchant masters were not allowed to sit together, but were surrounded by a bevy of naval officers.

“I was struck by the beauty of the naval plate,” said Captain Higgs. “For instance, a solid silver of the Nelson Column, complete in every detail, and towering eight feet high, was at the centre of the table of the president of the mess.” Another beautiful object was a replica of the Golden Hind. After dinner the marine band, which had been playing throughout the evening, struck up sea chanties and the president of the mess invited all to join in. “I was amazed at the knowledge the naval men displayed in the old sea chanties we used to sing in the days of the windjammer,” said Captain Higgs. At the conclusion' of the dinner Captain Higgs was driven, home by his host. “It is part of the policy of the Admiralty to bring the services together,” said Captain Higgs. He and his fellow officers had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. (