MERCHANTMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11717, 6 June 1916, Page 4

MERCHANTMEN.

Mr Hughes sent a messago to the men of the merchant service.—Cable. Merchantmen, merchantmen, steaming through tho seas; It's you that ruako the owners rich in parlous times like these; It's ■. you that knot, that splice they' ropes to hold tlio Empire tight— Merchantmen, merchantmen, a health to you to-night. Tho Lizzie and the Lion have their mighty work to do J They hold the rats within their nest to keep a road for you; But i you've your troubles just the same, and never sleep Because there's murder waiting; in tho ' waters dark and deep. Merchantmen, merchantmen, you'ro the breed as well To beat the raving Kaiser who has made tho world a hell; _ Sweeping mines and facing death, steaming and day; Merchantmen, merchantmen, what a game to play! You who taste the ocean's salt fifty weeks a year— Forty hours to greet your wires and your children dear! You who build our nationhood with your ships , and men, Had we not the merchant fleet, where-'s our Navy then? - Merchantmen, merchantmen, sons of' wavo and spray, Heroes of the engine-room sweating night and day; _ . On tho ocean's face itself history is scrolled — Merchantmen, merchantmen, sailors brave ajad bold 1 v „ —" Sydney Sun.