Archive

down to the coal trimmers have to sign their names. along with their rating and L s d per month. There are 50 souls on board to man us - all told. Great competition is seen where an old hand or two has left.

Mahogany faced sailors, pale firemen, and the coast fishermen who are half sailors and half farmers working their farms in the spring, summer and Autumn months, and going to sea in the winter time. These all flourish their discharge books under the noses of the chief officer and chief engineer when

a vacancy for Deck or Below, is to be filled from the waiting ranks. Third officer and I take port watches. I am on during the day from 6 AM to 6 P.M. He during the night from 6 PM to 6 AM. Slept on board; A bunk feels snug after a big shore bed, though the latter is a welcome change often.

October 13th

ss "Torr Head" went into dry dock to day. Harland's & Wolff's - called the Alexandra Dock. Shores or long baulks of timber are placed in a row along the

ship's sides - one end next the ship the other end jammed up against the dock wall. after these are completed the water is pumped rapidly out - leaving the ship upright on an even keel. When dry underneath, patent water resisting paint is applied, and any other repairs that may be necessary to make a vessel sea-worthy are executed.

[sketch]

an posion of a ship in Dry dock.

October 14th. Friday.

Painting of ship well underway. The crew do not join the ship until Monday morning - 6 o'c. Until then no meals are cooked, and at present the officers have to go into town, time about, for breakfast & dinner. It is an awfully long walk & we will be well tired of it before sailing.

October 15th Saturday

Finished our drydocking, moved out at 3 o'clock to the wharfe - still further from the town. More walking. I wish we were gone from this place. My feet will soon be worn to the ancle.

October 16th Sunday.

Left in charge of the ship to day. I have to ring up the marine superintendant at 10 o'c. which means no breakfast until eleven. Got breakfast and waited for dinner, came down aboard the ship at 4 o'c. Captain and four ladies aboard. No tea for me until they leave.

Captain &c left at 5-30 & I left at 5-40 to walk for tea. Got tea at J. Bellas' called with Bertie & had a yarn, bid him & the rest Good-bye and departed shipward. On the way down - telephoned at 9 o'c.