Page:UKSRO 1899 (Part II).pdf/958
The advantage offered are as follows:―
(1)Each man enrolled in the "Seaman" Class will receive £35s. a year as a retainer, two suits of clothes during his five years' engagement, and whilst on drill 2s. 9d. a day, drill pay and allowances.
(2)As soon as he has performed 28 days' drill, he will,if favourably reported upon, be allowed to commence 6 months' Naval Training, upon the satisfactory completion of which he will be advanced to the "Qualified Seaman" Class at the age of 20, provided he has passed the necessary examinations.
(3)He will then receive £6 a year as a retainer, a suit of clothes every five years, and whilst on drill 3s. 1d. a day, drill pay and allowances. He will also, provided he undergoes a further period of 6 months' Naval Training, and subject to the due performance of his duties as a member of the Reserve, be granted a Deferred Pension Certificate on completing his last term of drill, which will entitle him to a pension of £12 a year at the age of 60, or previously if incapacitated.
VI. No allowance will be granted in respect of any "Boy Sailor" over 19 years of age, or for a longer period than three years from the date of the first enrolment of such "Boy Sailor."
Note.—Every boy will, on enrolment as a "Boy Sailor," receive an enrolment book, R.V. 2, giving his name, description, &c. , and providing space for a record of his employment. This book the boy will produce to the Superintendent of a Mercantile Marine Office on every engagement and discharge, in order that the required entries may be made.
VII. The Superintendent of every Mercantile Marine Office shall keep a register of boys applying to go to sea as "Boy Sailors," and such registers will be open to inspection by Shipowners and Masters desirous of engaging boys in respect of whom money allowances will be granted under Section 6 of the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund ) Act, 1898.
Note.—Large posters stating the advantages of the Reserve will be exhibited at once in all the Mercantile Marine Offices and throughout seaport towns; and if the supply of Boys is not sufficient, arrangements will be made with the Post Office and School Authorities to exhibit similar posters.
Smaller bills will also be distributed.