THE RAW RECRUITS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19437, 24 October 1925, Page 14

THE RAW RECRUITS

INCLUDE A BARONET DECKHAND IN SILK SHIRT With broom in his hands, barefooted, trousers turned up, and wearing a silk shirt, one of the volunteer on the Waimana at Auckland on \fon- I j day morning was quite happy with his ’ .job. Asked by a “Star” reporter how j things wore going the new deckhand replied: “Pretty good.” Here and there were others on the deck pottering about, all doing a little bit. Down below the shift of firemen, greasers, and trimmers were getting everything io readiness for the sailing of the ship next morning, but they did not have silk shirts. The volunteers signed on the different ships affected by the strike would I average 20 years of age, but they are ja smart looking lot of young fellows, jail anxious to get a trip to England. I The shipping companies do not expect a great deal from the new’ chums, and as an officer on one of the boats said this morning: “They will have to work dreadfully slow not to get the ship to England for Christmas. So far they have shaped well afid are happy. “How do you think they will got on if they strike it rough?” asked the “Star” reporter. “Oh, they will be all right. It’s not , easy wheeling a barrow’ of coal when a ship is rolling and the firemen earn the 1 10s a month they get more than the . trimmer*?, greasers, and deckhands, i Then the weather w’ill be hot enough for them when we reach the tropics, but that is nothing and the yopng fellows should enjoy the experience.” The volunteers arc a mixed lot and oven include Auckland’s only baronet. He is a deckhand on the Athenic. There aro King’s College boys, farmer’s sons, young fellows who have been employed in shops or factories in the city, yachtsmen, and oven some mon who have had experience with engines. They have signed on for tho trip Home only, but on arrival in England they will have their board and lodging paid until there is a ship leaving for New Zealand, when they wi’lb' 1 be provided with a third class passage back. However, in many cases the parents of the young men are arranging to pay the difference and enable the volunteers to return second class. Again more than one lad whose parents are comfortably situated and in business will most likely be sent to positions in England. On the Waimana the volunteer crew numbers about 50. and other boats affected have a fair number on board though not so many as the Waimana.