SOUTH AFRICAN WAR-TRANSPORT SERVICE. (Hansard, 2 May 1902)

LORD MUSKERRY

My Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government whether they have still under consideration the representation made to them as to due and proper recognition being given to the services of the executive of merchant ships which have been engaged in the transport service during the present war; and whether, in view of the fact that all other branches of those engaged in the conduct of the war have been rewarded, both pecuniarily and by decorations, they are now ready to recognise in a similar manner the captains and officers of our transport vessels, whose onerous and responsible duties have, according to the highest authorities, been carried out with the utmost efficiency and marvellous immunity from accident. In putting this Question I should like to say a few words, not in praise of the magnificent service that has been rendered to the nation by the captains and officers of the Mercantile Marine, for that has already been so highly praised and commended by the First Lord of the Admiralty, and the highest naval and military authorities, and by all the officers of both services and other officials whose duties have been connected with the Transport Department, that it would be a waste of words on my part to enlarge upon it; but what I do desire to convey to your Lordships is the strong feeling that exists throughout the profession—in fact, this very Question has been placed in my hands by the Merchant Service Guild, by far the largest and most representative body of the captains 550 and officers of the merchant service—that these services should be recognised by the State. It is not a pecuniary reward that they would value so much as a decoration, showing that their efforts were appreciated by the nation. They have seen the members of the mercantile marine of Germany, France, and other countries rewarded in the way I suggest, and they feel themselves rather left out in the cold.

I would remind your Lordships that these men are part of the fighting force of the nation. In days gone by, the captains and officers of the merchant navy often fought and defeated the enemy. Should occasion arise, you will find that their successors are as willing and ready to fight for the old flag as their predecessors. Is it not, then, the duty of the State to encourage such men? There are some few veterans still remaining of those merchant service captains and officers who did such splendid service in the Crimean War. They suffered frightful hardships. One P. and O. transport, the "Columbia," practically lost two crews in the Black Sea through hardship. Her chief officer, Captain Henry Toll, who is still alive, was laid up for months. The only reward these gentleman had were the praises and commendations of their services mentioned in speeches at the termination of the war. I think, my Lords, that it would be a very kindly and gracious act on the part of His Majesty's Government if, when they bestow, as I hope they will, decorations for service in this war, they remember the former service of these veterans, and cheer their declining years by showing them that their country has not forgotten their good work, even though nearly fifty years have passed since that work was done.

§ THE FIRST LORD OF the ADMIRALTY (The Earl of SELBORNE)

I am afraid I cannot answer at any length the Question of the noble Lord. His: Majesty's Government have still under consideration the representations made to them as to the due and proper recognition of the services of the merchant ships which have been engaged in transport service in the present war. I think the noble Lord goes rather far when he says that everybody who has had any connection with the war, in any capacity whatever, has already been 551 rewarded; and he must, if he considers the question, see that it involves distinct difficulties. All I can say is that it is being duly considered. Nobody doubts as to the excellence of the services rendered by the captains of all the transports engaged in connection with the war; indeed, I think it is one of the most magnificent records which the mercantile marine, even of this country, has ever shown—the manner in which the transport has been conducted.