Britain at Work
A Pictorial Description of Our National Industries

377 EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE ROYAL NAVY. IN THE BARBER’S SHOP. (Photo supplied by Miss Weston.) nDHE bluejacket 1 of to-day differs considerably from the “jolly tar” of Nelson’s time. As far as bravery and handiness are con- cerned there is nothing to choose between our gallant seamen who fought at Trafalgar and those who, in default of seeing service on their proper element, checkmated the Boer gunners round Lady- smith and stormed the enemy’s well- nigh impregnable position at Graspan ; but socially there is a wide gulf be- tween the two. The handy-man has long ceased to be the drunken, dis- sipated, improvident fellow his ancestor was ; he is cleaner, thrifty, better educated, and a bit of a scientist to boot. Service in the Royal Navy offers great attractions to well-behaved men and boys. It provides continuous employment at a good rate of pay up to the age of 50, and to that of 55 in certain ranks and ratings; and amongst other advantages, notably those of seeing the world under pleasant conditions and having a chance of acquiring distinction by zeal and gal- lantry, carries with it life pensions at expiration of service and employment in the Civil Service after being pen- sioned. Boys are entered for training as seamen between the ages of 151 and 164. Every boy previous to being entered must satisfy the examining officers that he is of robust frame, intelligent, and of perfectly sound and healthy constitution, that he is able to read and write, and that his height and measure are sufficient. Again, every boy must bring with him a certificate of birth or a declaration from his parents and guardians that he is of proper age ; also the consent in writing of his parents or guardians to his entering the Royal Navy and to his engaging to serve until he shall have completed twelve years’ continuous service from the age of 18. It should be noted that boys who have been in prisons or reformatories are not received, while industrial school boys have to obtain the special permission of the Admiralty, which makes strict inquiry into their antecedents. Having passed the final medical examination “ Britain’s might.’’ 48