EVOLUTION OF THE "MARS" SHIP, A. L. Scott, October 1917
Printed for private circulation only.
The Evolution of the "Mars" Ship
Agesilaus, King of Sparta, being asked what he thought it most proper for boys to learn, answered: "What they ought to do when they become men."
In a garden on the coast of Fife may be seen the figure-head of an old man-of-war looking out across the North Sea, facing as of old, the foes of her country. This interesting relic belonged to H.M.S. "Mars," and was secured by a Fifeshire officer when that vessel was broken up in the early part of the nineteenth century, passing on her name to another wooden battleship launched in 1840, and well known as the Tay Training Ship for homeless and destitute boys, perhaps even better as the "Mars" Ship.
The fine old craft first mentioned did not always fly the British flag. She was originally captured from the French, and changing sides, figured in the line at Trafalgar, when her Captain, George Duff, fell in the hour of victory.
The "Mars" Training Ship cannot claim such a famous career. Her spell of active service in the Navy was short and comparatively uneventful, but the useful social work which she has unobtrusively carried out for nearly fifty years is well worth placing on record, for "Peace hath her victories No less renowned than war."
The writer hopes that his observations will prove useful to the future management of the Institution, for he has entire confidence that if the present educational methods are preserved and developed, the "Mars" with her modern equipment will float safely on the sea of Reconstruction which will soon be sweeping over the country.
HISTORY AND TRADITION
The passing of the Industrial Schools Act of 1866, led to the establishment of a number of Training Ships at various ports in the United Kingdom, not primarily as a nursery for seamen, since it was recognised that a large proportion of the lads trained onboard would not go to sea, but because it was felt that schools run on naval lines would be particularly suitable for boys who were as a rule school failures, and who required a stricter form of discipline than could be exercised in a non-residential institution.
The legal status of these boys was perhaps never properly understood by the public. None of them had ever been punished for a criminal offence, and in the eyes of the law they were on a perfect equality with other school-boys. In the month of August 1869, the "Mars" was towed from Sheerness to the Tay by the steam frigate "Medusa" and anchored in the river. A man-of-war of her size and draught had probably never crossed the bar before, and her advent created considerable excitement amongst the youth of the coast towns from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. Every boy with sea-faring instincts wanted "to get to the Mars," and as committal under the Industrial Schools Act at this time was very much a matter of form, recruits came in from all quarters before the ship was quite prepared for their reception.
The first to join was a bright high-spirited lad, a scion of a respected highland family. Taking French leave of his home in Perth, he came to Dundee on foot, and practically arranged his own entry. His parents wisely decided to leave him to his fate which was no mean one. He became a prosperous Australian Squatter: a respected public man, and mayor of his township. A few years ago, he paid a visit to his old School, and when asked to address the boys, he replied: "I have never known any good come of talking to boys yet, besides, I have a sense of the ridiculous!"
When handing a liberal gratuity to the boat's crew which pulled him on shore, this kindly gentleman remarked: "This is from the first 'Mars' boy."
The first officer to join, Mr. Alexander M'Dougall [photo right], the veteran Ship's Carpenter, is still serving, 
and although in his 78th year shows no abatement of the energy which has ever distinguished a career in many respects as remarkable as it has been useful. Joining the "Mars" on 19th August, 1869, the day on which the vessel anchored in the Tay, Mr. M'Dougall has necessarily many interesting recollections of the early days of the institution: of efforts to make ends meet on slender financial resources: of coolness on the part of a certain section of the community, and disaffection amongst the boys, culminating in a serious attempt to lower the boats, and escape from the ship, frustrated only by the prompt and vigorous action of the late Captain Charles Scott, and his small staff of officers. He remembers the severe winter of 1870, when the ship, then moored at a considerable distance from the shore, badly lighted, and without proper heating appliances, was for many weeks surrounded by ice floes, in one of which he, with a few boys onboard a small boat, was adrift for a whole night.
Another vivid memory is of the great storm in December, 1879, when in charge of a boat from the "Mars" he made a gallant but vain attempt to rescue the victims of the Tay Bridge disaster.
Then came calmer and brighter days. Gradually the value of the institution became apparent, not only to those responsible for the well-being of the people, but also to the class for whose special benefit it exists. Throughout each phase of the Ship's history Mr. M'Dougall has been an outstanding figure, noted for his varied acquirements and sterling character.
He is the only man left who recollects the first Captain-Superintendent of the "Mars," Captain Baldwin Wake, R.N., but a brief entry in the Ship's Log enables us to form a good idea of the latter's personality.
"23rd Dec., 1869. At 11.40 a.m. boy Patrick Foy fell overboard from one of the main deck ports, and the boats being all hoisted up the Captain jumped into the river from the stern gallery and brought Foy to the gangway."
The narrator appears to have been a man of few words, otherwise he might have added that the gallery referred to is 26 feet from the water, and that the rescuer was wearing heavy winter clothes. Captain Wake was the hero of several similar incidents during his naval service, and by the irony of fate, himself met the death from which he was instrumental in saving so many fellow-creatures. He was drowned whilst alone in a canoe at Vancouver.
This distinguished officer gave up command of the "Mars" in June, 1870, and was succeeded by Staff-Commander Charles Scott, R.N., who held office for nearly 23 years.
Progress had hitherto been inordinately retarded by the circumstance that with one exception all the members of the Staff were Englishmen, and found it somewhat hard to win the full confidence of the boys.
Captain Scott, himself, was born south of the Tweed, but being of Scottish ancestry, and having served for some years in the guard ship at South Queensferry, he had no difficulty in establishing himself on a different footing. His promptitude in swimming to the rescue of a drowning boy, soon after his arrival onboard, proved him like his predecessor, a man of action, and within a very short time he was regarded by all hands with a respect which was destined to grow into something approaching filial affection.
Organisation was now speeded up. The Committee's Report for 1871 states:
The "Mars" is assuming her place as a Training Ship for the East Coast of Scotland, a fact which friends in the other towns of the coast recognise by generous contributions to our funds. 69 of the boys now onboard are orphans; 109 are fatherless; 51 have been deserted by their parents. They all come from the poorest class, and it is probable that the larger number of them would have fallen into crime. The educational condition of the boys who have been admitted during the year illustrates the fearful disadvantages under which the battle of life has to be fought by many around us. Of the 107 boys admitted in 1871, 50 could read a little; 57 could not read at all; 1 had a fair knowledge of Bible history; 44 had a slight knowledge of Bible history; 62 were entirely ignorant of Scripture.
"The boys attend school on alternate days, the remainder of the time being occupied with nautical training and the necessary work of the Ship. The teaching which they receive is of a very high order, and their progress so rapid as to justify the remark that children who have some industrial work to do learn more quickly than those whose whole time is given to books. The special training of the boys for the occupation which most of them are to follow has been steadily and successfully prosecuted.
"In addition to the usual daily routine of gun, rifle, and cutlass drill, knotting, splicing, reefing and furling sails, and rowing in boats, in which branches many of them excel, the boys mend all their own clothing, make some portions of it, cook their food, and do all the washing, a training which forms habits of industry, cleanliness, and obedience, and fits them for any employment either on shore or afloat."
At the end of 1871 there were 295 boys onboard from the following places: Dundee, Edinburgh, Fife, Perth, Arbroath, Montrose, Aberdeen, Stirling, London, and Brechin. (These places are mentioned in order following the number of boys from each.)
The Committee's Report for 1872, mentions that music had been assiduously cultivated on board the "Mars," 3 of the boys having attained considerable proficiency in instrumental music, and that the cheering strains of the excellent Brass Band enlivened the Ship on all suitable occasions; also, that the schooner "Lightning" had been purchased for use as a sea-going tender.
Of 53 boys discharged during this year, 39 went to sea in the Royal Navy, and Merchant Service, whilst 14 took up trades on shore.
"During the summer of 1873, the 'Lightning' tender," says Captain Scott, "has been actively employed cruising in the North Sea, and the lads have acquired a practical knowledge of seamanship where alone it could be learned. The navigation of the ship on this, one of the most dangerous coasts in the world, without the slightest accident or the carrying away of a spar, must convince the most sceptical that our waifs and strays make the best of seamen."
The courage and self-possession developed by the training which the boys receive was illustrated by the conduct of Walter White, a boy of sixteen, recently discharged from the "Mars."
White was engaged at the works of the Tay Bridge when the lamentable explosion of August, 1873, occurred, and he was blown into the water. The night was dark and stormy, bnt White was able to save himself by swimming to a boat which was moored near. Instantly he applied himself to the work of saving others less fortunate than he had been, and he succeeded in rescuing three men, one of whom must otherwise have perished. The Committee of the Royal Humane Society expressed their great admiration of the signal bravery and presence of mind displayed by this boy, and voted him the highest award which the Society bestows.
It was soon realised that the work of the Institution could not be carried out quite satisfactorily, or even safely until the Ship was moved from her exposed situation near the middle of the river, but not till March, 1875, was it found possible to bring her closer to the Fife shore. The position then chosen was 300 yards to the northward of Woodhaven Pier, and the "Mars" was moored, head and stern, in what is the best anchorage in the Tay.
In old days this pier was one of the stopping places on the road to the North. Coaches used to deposit passengers there to be afterwards ferried across the Tay in large pinnaces. The Antiquary doubtless crossed here on his road to Monkbarns. Tradition also connects the spot with a raid into Fife by Rob Roy. A small shipyard turned out vessels up to a hundred tons burden, and a large disused granary, now the Ship's hospital, recalled the period when Fife was a great corn-growing country.
The peaceful beauty of this place has undoubtedly always had the very best influence on the youthful crew of the old battleship, and the Managers of the "Mars" are under a deep debt of gratitude to the proprietors of the St. Fort estate for the generous consideration extended to the institution from the very beginning, which has enabled the former to keep the approaches to the pier free from private building operations, thus leaving the ground clear for the swimming bath and the extensive range of workshops, which have come into existence of late years.
In 1881, the sailing tender "Lightning" was replaced by the brig "Francis Mollison," named after the first President of the institution. She cruised without mishap for well-nigh thirty years, many times circumnavigating the United Kingdom, but was condemned for sea service two years before the war. When hostilities cease, and all the mines in the North Sea are dredged up, there will be ample choice from which to select the most suitable vessel to give the boys their sea-legs, and also to supply plenty of fish to the parent ship.
In December, 1892, Captain Charles Scott died. His service to the community was recognised by a public funeral. Much water has flowed under the longest bridge in the world since then, but his influence abides a living memory in the ship he loved.
In the early 'nineties there was a considerable influx of boys from the West of Scotland, and as they were practically all Roman Catholics, it became necessary to make special arrangements for their religious instruction. An agreement was drawn up between the local hierarchy and the Executive Committee in 1898, which was instantly successful and has ever since worked with unbroken smoothness, thanks to the loyal interpretation and careful observance of it by those gentlemen to whose spiritual guidance our Roman Catholic boys have been entrusted. The above furnishes a fine illustration of mutual religious tolerance and harmony. No shadow of polemic has darkened the decks of the "Mars."
THE EAST NEUK
One particular feature, the lighter side of our training, deserves special mention. Prior to 1899, the only regular periodical outing was an annual picnic given to the staff and crew by Mr. Lindsay Bennet, of St. Andrews. On the memorable occasion of the Naval Exhibition of 1891, this kind friend of the "Mars" sent a party of 50 boys, under a ship's officer, to London for a week — a week long destined to remain a glorious memory. Mr. Lindsay Bennet died in 1898, and in the following year the Ship chanced on the reversion of a disused granary at Elie, which had previously been occupied for some weeks annually by an Industrial School in Edinburgh.
When the latter institution closed in 1899, Mr Baird, the proprietor of Elie, granted the privilege of tenancy to the "Mars." Thanks to his liberality the place was put in thorough repair, and certain extensions were made to the premises to accommodate the increased numbers. This proved the opening of an happy era. The community of Elie took the "Mars" boys to their hearts, and their cordial feeling was fully reciprocated. These five weeks of seaside life have spelt a notable improvement in the average health and general physique of the boys. The long summer hours spent in the open air on the shores of the East Neuk of Fife prove an invaluable tonic to both staff and crew. Something to look forward to and back upon with equal appreciation.
BOATING ON THE TAY
On a tombstone in the old churchyard at Forgan in Fife, the following inscription may be read:-
"IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM M'INTOSH, WILLIAM MILN, AND JOHN HALL,
aged respectively 12, 13, and 14 years, pupils in the Training Ship "Mars," who in a fit of waywardness, incidental to youth, left Woodhaven Pier in an open boat on the stormy morning of March 18th 1871, and were lost on the Gaa Bank within one short hour of their sailing. Their remains were recovered and are interred here."
This pathetic little story may well preface a few remarks on the risks of amateur boating on a tidal river.
No uninstructed man would dream of attempting to drive a motor car, but everybody thinks he can steer a boat, a mistaken notion which was the cause of another fatal accident in the early days. A visitor insisted on taking the helm from the boy coxswain. The person drowned on that occasion was, of course, not the perpetrator of the outrage. The "Mars" boys quickly get to know the river and to understand how to meet its dangers. To those who take the trouble to study its varying moods, the Tay presents no great difficulties. It is customary to land half the ship's company for Manual Instruction in the Workshops every day. This means constant traffic to and from the shore, often under weather conditions which cause considerable anxiety to those in charge.
That accidents indeed are rare, is due to the consummate skill of the officers and the smartness of the crews. Agile as monkeys, the boys appear to the ordinary observer to take no care of themselves whatever, and one would not have it otherwise. The lessons of self-sacrifice and mutual confidence are perhaps learnt better in a boat than anywhere else, and it seems natural to the possessor of these virtues to go promptly to the assistance of others in distress. Cases of rescue by the boats of the "Mars" are so common that they hardly cause comment, and nothing delights the crew so much as being called out in stormy weather.
No one familiar with the subject can doubt the educative value of boating. Few will deny that in the present war the small craft sailor has been the salvation of the country. We are likely to hear less in the future of training sailors on shore. It is said that owing to the spread of the barrack system, before hostilities broke out, a large proportion of our sailors could not pull an oar. Doubtless that has been put right, and seamen in the future will be boatmen also.
MANUAL INSTRUCTION
There is no disguising the fact that the "Mars" boys have always had a hearty dislike for ordinary school lessons. Their apathetic behaviour in the schoolroom has ever been the despair of their teachers. It was a happy day, therefore, when a great educationist came on the scene, and Mr. J. G. Legge was appointed Chief Inspector of Reformatory and Industrial Schools. The author of the "Thinking Hand" at once saw what was wrong. He proceeded to introduce Manual Instruction, and to push it with an enthusiasm which was everywhere infectious.
The soil was ready for the grain of mustard seed which has now grown into a mighty tree, whose branches, destined to overshadow all antiquated teaching, make the road to knowledge so attractive that the dunce will soon be a rara avis and the truant unknown. Manual Instruction has already been instrumental in reducing re-convictions after discharge, to a negligible quantity, and turning hundreds of potential parasites into producers of wealth. The "Mars" workshops are the direct result of this renaissance and we will proceed to inspect them, observing that the block of buildings stands on the site of the old shipyard above-mentioned, and was entirely constructed by the officers and boys.
Let us watch the shore party landing from the Ship. They come up from the Pier at the double - no "creeping like snail unwillingly to school" here. They go in with an alacrity which is only equalled by their reluctance to come out. No time is lost in getting to work. Here is a class of beginners. Each boy with his drawing before him doing simple exercises in wood. None of the class look up when we enter or betray the slightest curiosity, so absorbed are they in what they are doing. Probably there is no teacher present, but that makes no difference. If they want assistance or advice their neighbours are only too glad to give it, but no boy would dream of letting another do his work for him.
We next visit the turning and toy-making departments, both manned by advanced pupils, and giving full scope for individual skill and originality. We have no steam or other power in our shops. Speed is the last thing desired - festina lente is our motto. We want to cultivate the pride which is the reward of every man who can say of his work "alone I did it" - who puts something of himself into every job he completes. We have no wish to make a profit. Most of our productions are sold at cost price. Toys are given away to children's hospitals, and every boy is permitted and encouraged to take a specimen of his handicraft with him when he goes on holiday. Our expenses are not heavy. A great deal of wood is given to us by neighbouring lairds in return for services rendered by the boys, such as clearing ground for planting - a most instructive and healthy recreation for which there will be abundant opportunity after the war, when afforestation comes into fashion, and every landowner who has nothing else to do will be "aye sticking in a tree."
Here we have a party making crates for the despatch of vegetables to the Fleet in northern waters. About five cwt. is collected by the "Mars" boys and sent away by rail every week.
The large showroom contains many specimens of the cabinetmaker's art, mostly the work of one boy, who during his three year's stay in the "Mars" became a perfect master of his trade. Yet, when discharged at the age of sixteen, he had to start at the lowest rung of the ladder and serve the full time as apprentice before he could become a recognised tradesman. This is one of the innumerable grievances which will have to be put right after the war.
Many models are to be seen in this room, notably that of a rowing boat, which won a first prize at the White City Exhibition in 1908. "Surely that boat is too small for use?" remarked a utilitarian visitor to the workshop, a gentleman not gifted with great powers of imagination, yet for all that a School Board member. Another model is that of a camp building made in the workshops and put up on Largo Links for the accommodation of tuberculous boys from Dundee in the summer of 1913.
Here is a perfect museum of war relics sent home by an old boy who served with distinction in the Cameroon campaign. Every sort of weapon is to be found in this collection, from the primitive poisoned arrow to the modern bomb, whilst peace is represented by a caseful of butterflies from Sierra Leone.
Briefly, the room is full of a great variety of object-lessons from all parts of the world, and of every period. Thus history, geography, and every other subject can be taught here in a much more attractive and satisfactory as well as more expeditious manner than in the regular schoolroom. And why should this not be done? It can be done, and we hope to do it, if given a free hand. The war has taught us many things. It has made the versatile chief schoolmaster of the "Mars" a sailor of judgment and capacity, so that he can take charge equally well on deck, in the schoolroom, or in the workshop. So let us gradually remove the partition between the latter places and see what happens. A classical worthy, whose identity is lost, is credited with the remark that "everything is done best standing up," and with what relief would we, one and all, see the schoolroom desk discarded, no longer to act as a pillow for the weary head.
[The author left] In my early naval days, I belonged for some years to a fast-sailing wooden frigate in a squadron of similar vessels, the speed of which was of course regulated by that of the slowest ship, and she was a very slow ship indeed, always hull down, with every sail set, trying to catch the leading clipper which, with shortened sail, hung restively compelled to curb her progress.
When within a few days of port it was customary for the Admiral to make the signal to proceed independently. With what joy did we seize the opportunity of cracking on all sail and showing the squadron a clean pair of heels. The thought has often struck one what advantage might be gained, could a similar signal be made in Elementary School Education, if the timeworn convention which still chains the progress of the able pupil to advance only at the pace of the most backward, could frankly be discarded. How such a signal would be hailed, since it would spell freedom for those hitherto fettered by the rate of the "Dummy Ship." Who knows what results might ensue once given the chance of independent flight? Every capable boy in workshops such as those of the "Mars" may, with very little assistance, rise to proficiency as carpenter, elementary metal-worker, blacksmith, ropemaker and sailmaker - more - to aim at the ideal of the old Persians, viz., perfect training of hand and eye "to shoot straight and to speak the truth."
And what of the "Dummy Ship?" Can we not do something to improve her rate of sailing? The following may partly serve as answer. A few years ago, a mentally deficient boy was accidentally admitted to the "Mars." The only way of getting rid of him would have been transference to a lunatic asylum, a course which humanity forbade. As it was useless to try him in the schoolroom, he was permanently placed in the workshop, where he proved useful as a sweeper, and in other practical if humble occupations. One day the instructor and I were examining a section of a tree trunk some hundreds of years old, and I happened to mention a method (suggested in O. W. Holmes 'Autocrat of the Breakfast Table') of teaching history by marking dates on the annual rings of a tree. "Geordie" chanced to be standing near, and turning round suddenly, I was struck by a gleam of intelligence in his eyes, as though the idea had partially penetrated. After this encouraging sign greater pains were taken with the lad. He has developed into a fair carpenter, and though he will never be able to read or write, the "Mars" Workshops have secured him not only escape from the death-in-life asylum existence, but a useful and contented future.
No one would dream at this moment of saying one school has distinguished itself beyond any other during the war, but it is only fair to place on record the frequent testimony as to the outstanding efficiency and smartness of the "Mars" boy as compared to the average recruit. The steady discipline of years and hardy service training results in instant response to the requirements of the drill sergeant. The ready hand and eye, trained by constant practice in manifold use of tools, have proved beyond question the preparedness of such a youth for all the various demands of camp and field. The advantage of not having specialised enables the "Mars" boy to adapt himself to whatever trade or career fate may hold in store, for his foundations are sure, and suited to every trade.
"The end crowns all." The most interesting and gratifying fact about the "Mars" Workshops has been reserved to the last. It is that the man who designed and built them ten years ago, and has since by precept and example established their efficiency on an unfailing basis, my chief officer and loyal fellow-worker, is himself an old "Mars" boy.
THE INLAID TABLE
Is there any market for this inlaid work? is a question constantly asked, and the answer is, or should he, No! The material is practically of no value, and the same may be said of the finished article; yet the latter during its manufacture has inculcated so many great lessons that it might more appropriately be put into the fire than soiled by any ignoble use.
See the pupil with his laboriously produced drawing approaching the scrap-heap from which he has to select his material. This slip of ebony came from what was once German West Africa, that piece of mahogany was part of a bedstead in an historic mansion house in Fifeshire. Here is a bit of teak from a jute ship stranded at the mouth of the Tay after an encounter with a submarine, and the foundation of the whole is a square of African oak from the powder magazine of an old man-of-war. The boy is not particularly impressed when informed of these details, but makes a start without emotion. Soon he works up a little interest, and when he has to return onboard finds that he has passed on the whole a pleasant day, and a shorter one than usual. On the following morning he is at his ordinary lessons, but thinking of tomorrow, which comes round in due course, and he finds himself back at his bench. His work scarcely seems so good as he had grown to imagine in the interval. However he fancies the errors can be corrected, and plods away all day, leaving off fairly satisfied. Two days later, on turning to, he is not so well pleased. Things are not going right at all. There is a possibility of the whole concern having to be taken to pieces, which indeed actually happens, and happens more than once, before the finished job is ready for inspection.
He approaches the judge with trepidation, wishing he could have been permitted to disguise its defects with a coat of varnish. To his intense relief it passes muster. Indeed some merits are discovered which his own modesty and timidity have overlooked. Forthwith he starts on a more ambitious piece of work with established confidence.
It is one of the writer's greatest delights to watch the boys at inlay work, but his pleasure is mingled with regret that this interesting occupation which insensibly teaches truth, accuracy, honesty, patience, perseverance, and kindred virtues did not come into fashion long years ago. Why did it take nearly twenty years to discover the educative value of the inlaid table? A question not to be asked. Whose withers are unwrung? Certainly not those of the present scribe.
DISPOSAL AND AFTERCARE
The reason why comparatively few of the "Mars" boys stick permanently to a sea-faring life is that there is no continuity of service in our Mercantile Marine. For a very long period the British sailor has lived with "one foot in sea, and one on shore." Laws have been passed to prevent him from being drowned, but not from being robbed. The foreigner is often preferred to the man of British birth. Any person who sees for the first time the cosmopolitan crowd outside the shipping office at any Bristol Channel port, must turn away from the depressing spectacle with a bitter feeling of resentment. This state of matters will doubtless be remedied after the war. At any rate the foreign element must be excluded, and some inducement in the way of retaining fee and pension held out, in order to raise the status of the merchant seaman to that of his naval brother. In the meantime we must train our boys in a variety of trades so that they can take up any job that offers ashore or afloat, or on the frontiers of the Empire, if crowded out of the old country.
At one time it was considered the proper thing to keep our boys and their parents as much as possible apart; indeed I have often heard people speak of the one side as if possessed of all the calculated selfishness of the man of the world, whilst crediting the other with an almost criminal indifference. I am thankful to know that they were talking nonsense. Family affection amongst the working classes in Scotland, is developed to a degree which cannot be surpassed, and children as a rule still believe in the sacred obligation to assist their parents where help is required.
"And when they all are frail and old,
And hirpling round the door,
We'll row to keep them hale and warm
As they did us before."
That this feeling may still be fostered should be our earliest hope. It will prove a sure defence against the stony-hearted kultur which has so nearly been forced on the human race. The late Mr. T. D. Robertson, during the closing years of his inspectorate, was a very strong advocate of a general attempt to improve the parent by making him proud of the progress made by the child, and we in the main have been working on these lines for many years.
As soon as possible after his admission the visiting officer calls at the home of a new boy, and finds out every detail connected with it. If there are any objectionable features, he points out that they must be remedied before the boy can go on leave. The result is nearly always a permanent improvement and the establishment of friendly relations.
When the time for the boy's discharge comes round another call is made, when his future is discussed and his disposal arranged for. Parents who have this consideration shown to their feelings do not as a rule act selfishly, but are quite prepared to acquiesce in the course advised by the Ship authorities.
Of course there are many boys who cannot be trusted in their old surroundings, and unfortunately many so-called homes, a return to which is out of the question. The former are encouraged to make our Shipping Home in Cardiff their headquarters, and to stick to the sea, whilst a small colony of those in the latter category is established in S. Wales, amongst a class of miners of good repute. These boys take most kindly to their new surroundings, and resist all attempts to lure them back to Scotland. The "Mars" authorities keep in close touch with all boys during the three years following discharge. We find that after-care work is best done by one man, that is, if the proper individual can be found. He should be tactful, sympathetic, and sensible, and should have an intimate knowledge of the class with which he has to deal. Happily, the visiting officer of the "Mars" possesses all these qualifications in a marked degree.
THE WORKSHOP LIBRARY
Sitting in the Workshop Library, I am surrounded by the photographs of old boys who were here in person but yesterday, and now each has started, and in many cases completed, his particular page in the history of the "Mars" Ship.
This determined-looking soldier has been decorated for "taking charge of the remnant of his company when all the officers had fallen, and conducting a very gallant rearguard action." That brightfaced boy of eighteen went down in battle on board H.M.S. "Monmouth."
All alike have acted nobly, and the natural feeling is - what can now be done for those who have done so much for their country? One thing only suggests itself to me. Let us try to remove the generally accepted, but quite erroneous, idea that a "Mars" boy must necessarily have done something wrong before qualifying for admission.
The constitution of the "Mars" sets forth that:- The object of the institution shall be the reception and training of boys, who through poverty, neglect, or any other cause are destitute or homeless, and in danger from association with vice and crime
.This is a very fair description of the majority of the boys on board. Of course it cannot be denied that a few, through want of supervision, have been guilty of childish misdemeanours, but these cannot be regarded by sensible people in a very serious light. Every high-spirited boy goes through a period of wildness though his pranks do not attract public attention unless he happens to reside in a crowded district. The prosperous citizen who notices that his son is getting out of hand, and beyond the control of his mother, promptly despatches the lad to a boarding school ere worse befall. He does not send with him an official document to the effect that John maliciously broke several panes of glass in the conservatory, and stole grapes to the value of seven shillings and sixpence. This is a formality that is only in use for those committed to Industrial Schools, and one does not quite see why such details are necessary at all.
Certainly all record of youthful scrapes might very well be destroyed at the proper time, and not kept as a permanent reminder like the albatross round the neck of the Ancient Mariner. As a matter of fact, few of the "Mars" boys have ever been charged with any offence whatever. They are nearly all the victims of mighty Circumstance, and cruel indeed is the conduct of those who cast thoughtless and undeserved reflections on their brief antecedents, many of which are unhappy enough as the following reminiscence illustrates.
When I lived at South Queensferry, fifty years ago, I had for a playmate an orphan boy who was under the care of his grandfather, a veteran naval officer, who could tell of Navarino and many an old-time sea fight. I was then destined for the Royal Navy, and when I joined H.M.S. "Britannia" my friend hoped to follow me in the course of a few years, for he was younger than I.
Fate, however, ordained otherwise.
On the death of his grandfather he was left absolutely unprovided for, and to my great astonishment, when coming home on leave in all the glory of a midshipman's uniform, I found my friend clad in that of a "Mars" boy. I can recall the expression on his sad face even now. He found a sailor's grave in the Atlantic whilst still a boy, and, remembering his pitiful story, I can never conceive that there can be any disgrace in being 'sent to the "Mars"'.
For many years to come the Ship will be full of boys whose fathers have fallen in the war. Although their maintainence will be paid for mainly out of rates and taxes they will have a great claim on public charity, the "charity that thinketh no evil, the charity that suffereth long and is kind."
Other portraits look down from the walls of the Workshop Library. Those of benefactors and managers who have freely given of their means and time to further the aims of the institution during half a century, and I have but to close my eyes to people the room with scores of helpful friends of the "Mars" Ship, who have gone "for ever and ever by." Always prominent amongst them is a bright young Soldier spirit summoned suddenly hence three years before the War.
"So many worlds, so much to do.
So little done, such things to be.
Who knoweth what had need of thee,
For thou wert strong as thou wert true."
A. L. Scott
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1869.
PATRONS - Right Hon. EARL of DALHOUSIE; Right Hon. LORD KINNAIRD; Right Hon. EARL of CAMPERDOWN; Right Hon. EARL of STRATHMORE; Sir ROBERT ANSTRUTHER, M.P.; Sir DAVID BAXTER, Bart.; Sir JOHN OGILVY, Bart., M.P.; The Hon. CHARLES CARNEGIE, M.P.; The Hon. ARTHUR KINNAIRD, M.P.; GEORGE ARMITSTEAD, Esq., M.P.; W. E BAXTER, Esq., M.P.; EDWARD ELLICE, Esq., M.P.; C. S. PARKER, Esq., M.P.; E. BAXTER, Esq. of Kincaldrum.
PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION - FRANCIS MOLLISON, Esq.
TRUSTEES - PATRICK ANDERSON, Esq., THOMAS BELL, Esq., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., W. W. RENNY, Esq., THOMAS SMITH, Esq., ANTHONY TRAIL, Esq.
CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - W. W. RENNY, Esq.
GENERAL COMMITTEE - SHERIFFS-SUBSTITUTE at Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, Perth; PROVOSTS of Arbroath, Brechin, Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, Montrose, Perth, St. Andrews; ALEXANDER ANDERSON, Esq., PATRICK ANDERSON, Esq., THOMAS BELL, Esq., GEORGE BURNETT, Esq., ALEXANDER J. BUIST, Esq., CHARLES CLARKE, Esq., THOMAS COUPER, Esq., JAMES COX, Esq., WILLIAM COX, Esq., JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Esq., Captain J. O. DALGLEISH, R.N., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., D. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., Captain MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N., HENRY B. FERGUSSON, Esq., JOHN GORDON, Esq., GERSHOM GOURLAY, Esq., JOSEPH GRIMOND, Esq., JOHN KIRKLAND, Esq., JOHN LENG, Esq., WILLIAM LOWSON, Esq., ROBERT McKENZIE, Esq., JAMES RAMSAY, Jun., Esq., W. W. RENNY, Esq., GEORGE ROUGH, Esq., FRANK SANDEMAN, Esq., JOHN SHARP, Esq., WILLIAM SMALL, Esq., THOMAS SMITH, Esq., A. TRAIL, Esq., PATRICK WATSON, Esq.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - THOMAS BELL, Esq, GEORGE BURNETT, Esq., THOMAS COUPER, Esq., Captain J. O. DALGLEISH, R.N., Captain MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N., R. McKENZIE, Esq., JAMES RAMSAY Jun., Esq., W. W. RENNY, Esq., THOMAS SMITH, Esq., A. TRAIL, Esq.
CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE "MARS" - Captain B. A. WAKE, R.N.
SURGEON - Dr. STEWART, Newport.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER - GEORGE JACK.
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1879.
PATRONS - Right Hon. EARL of DALHOUSIE; Right Hon. LORD KINNAIRD; Right Hon. EARL of CAMPERDOWN; Right Hon. EARL of STRATHMORE; Sir ROBERT ANSTRUTHER, Bart., M.P.; Sir JOHN OGILVY, Bart.; The Hon. CHARLES CARNEGIE; GEORGE ARMITSTEAD, Esq.; Right Hon. W. E. BAXTER, M.P.; EDWARD ELLICE, Esq., M.P.; C. S. PARKER, Esq., M.P.; THOMAS GRAY, Esq., Board of Trade.
PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION - Admiral MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N.
TRUSTEES - THOMAS BELL, Esq., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., THOMAS SMITH, Esq., W. W. RENNY, Esq.
CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - W. W. RENNY, Esq.
GENERAL COMMITTEE - SHERIFFS-SUBSTITUTE at Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, Perth; PROVOSTS of Arbroath, Brechin, Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, Montrose, Perth, St. Andrews; ALEXANDER ANDERSON, Esq., THOMAS BELL, Esq., ALEXANDER J. BUIST, Esq., CHARLES CLARK, Esq., THOMAS COUPER, Esq., JAMES COX, Esq., WILLIAM COX, Esq., JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Esq., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., HENRY B. FERGUSSON, Esq., GERSHOM GOURLAY, Esq., JOSEPH GRIMOND, Esq., JOHN KIRKLAND, Esq., JOHN LENG, Esq., WILLIAM LOWSON, Esq., W. W. RENNY, Esq., GEORGE ROUGH, Esq., FRANK SANDEMAN, Esq., JOHN SHARP, Esq., THOMAS SMITH, Esq., PATRICK WATSON, Esq., WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Esq., W. Y. BLYTH-MARTIN, Esq., A. B. FLEMING, Esq., Edinburgh, DAVID HARRIS, Esq., Edinburgh, THOMAS KNOX, Esq., Edinburgh, The LORD PROVOST of Aberdeen, Major ROSS, Aberdeen.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - THOMAS BELL, Esq, CHARLES CLARK, Esq., THOMAS COUPER, Esq., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., THOMAS SMITH, Esq., JOHN KIRKLAND, Esq., W. W. RENNY, Esq., HARRY WALKER, Esq., WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Esq., W. Y. BLYTH-MARTIN, Esq.
CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE "MARS" - Staff-Commander CHARLES C. SCOTT, R.N.
SURGEON - Dr. STEWART, Newport.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER - GEORGE JACK.
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1890.
PATRONS - Right Hon. LORD KINNAIRD; Right Hon. EARL of CAMPERDOWN; Right Hon. EARL of STRATHMORE; Sir JOHN OGILVY, Bart.; GEORGE ARMITSTEAD, Esq.; Right Hon. W. E. BAXTER; C. S. PARKER, Esq., M.P.; THOMAS GRAY, Esq., C.B., Board of Trade.
PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION - Admiral MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N.
TRUSTEES - THOMAS BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., WM. OGILVY DALGLEISH, Esq., GEORGE HALLEY, Esq., JOHN H. WALKER, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq.
GENERAL COMMITTEE - SHERIFFS-SUBSTITUTE at Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, and Perth; PROVOSTS of Arbroath, Brechin, Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, Montrose, Perth, and St. Andrews; ALEXANDER ANDERSON, Esq., E. A. BAXTER, Esq., THOMAS BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., ALEXANDER J. BUIST, Esq., WILLIAM COX, Esq., JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Esq., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., HENRY B. FERGUSSON, Esq., GERSHOM GOURLAY, Esq., JOSEPH GRIMOND, Esq., GEORGE HALLEY, Esq., JOHN LENG, Esq., WILLIAM LOWSON, Esq., W. Y. BLYTH-MARTIN, Esq., A. H. MONCUR, Esq., JAMES MUDIE, Esq., WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Esq., FRANK SANDEMAN, Esq., JOHN SHARP, Esq., JOHN H. WALKER, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq., DAVID HARRIS, Esq., Edinburgh, The LORD PROVOST of Aberdeen, Major ROSS, Aberdeen.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - Chairman, WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Esq., E. A. BAXTER, Esq., THOMAS BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., W. O. DALGLEISH, Esq., GEORGE HALLEY, Esq., A. H. MONCUR, Esq., JAMES MUDIE, Esq., JOHN H. WALKER, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq., The Right Hon. JOHN BOYD, Bart., Lord Provost, Edinburgh, Sir JAMES GOWANS, Dean of Guild, Edinburgh, and Councillor KINLOCH ANDERSON, Councillor DRYBROUGH and Councillor GULLAND all of the Town Council of Edinburgh.
CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE "MARS" - Staff-Commander CHARLES C. SCOTT, R.N.
SURGEON - Dr. STEWART, Newport.
SECRETARIES AND TREASURERS - MACKAY & MESS, C.A., 13 Albert Square, Dundee.
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1899.
PATRONS - His Royal Highness the DUKE of EDINBURGH (Duke of Saxe Coburg Gotha); The Most Hon. the MARQUESS of BREADALBANE; The Right Hon. the EARL of STRATHMORE; The Right Hon. the EARL of ELGIN, Broomhall, Dunfermline; The Right Hon. LORD KINNAIRD; GEORGE ARMITSTEAD, Esq.; C. S. PARKER, Esq.
PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION - Sir WILLIAM OGILVY DALGLEISH, Bart., of Errol Park.
VICE-PRESIDENT - WM. ROBERTSON, Esq., Balmore, Newport, Ex-Provost of the City of Dundee.
TRUSTEES - THOMAS BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., Sir WM. OGILVY DALGLEISH, Bart., GEORGE HALLEY, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq.
GENERAL COMMITTEE - The Convener of the County of Perth, H. S. HOME-DRUMMOND Esq. of Blair Drummond; The Convener of the County of Fife, ROBT. CATHCART, Esq. of Pitcairlie; SHERIFFS-SUBSTITUTE at Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, and Perth; LORD PROVOSTS of Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth and Edinburgh; PROVOSTS of Arbroath, Brechin, Cupar Fife, Forfar, Montrose and St. Andrews; THOMAS BELL, Esq., Bailie BRAND, 30 Regent Street, Portobello, DAVID BRUCE, Esq., ALEXANDER J. BUIST, Esq., Commander MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N., HENRY B. FERGUSSON, Esq., JOSEPH GIBSON, Esq., GERSHOM GOURLAY, Esq., Judge GRAY, Rathbone House, Portobello, Judge GULLAND, Edinburgh, GEORGE HALLEY, Esq., DAVID HARRIS, Esq., Edinburgh, Capt. G. D. CLAYHILLS HENDERSON, R.N., J. W. KIDD, M.P., Sir JOHN LENG, Esq., W. Y. BLYTH-MARTIN, Esq., DAVID McINTYRE, Esq., ROBERT MILLER, Esq., Ex-Dean of Guild, Edinburgh, A. H. MONCUR, Esq., ALEXANDER SCOTT, Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., W. N. WALKER. Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - Chairman, W. N. WALKER, Esq.; THE PRESIDENT, ex-officio; THOMAS BELL. Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., Commander MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N., JOSEPH GIBSON, Esq., GEORGE HALLEY, Esq., J. W. KIDD, Esq., A. H. MONCUR, Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq., The Right Hon. MITCHELL THOMSON, Lord Provost, Edinburgh, ROBERT MILLER, Esq., Ex-Dean of Guild, Edinburgh, and Bailie BRAND, 30 Regent Street, Portobello, Judge GRAY, Rathbone House, Portobello and Judge GULLAND all of the Town Council of Edinburgh.
CARDIFF COMMITTEE - JOHN GUTHRIE, Esq., Chairman, W. R. CORFIELD, Esq, B. T. HOLTHAM, Esq., JAMES HURMAN, Esq., ALBERT C. MACINTOSH, Esq., WILLIAM MACKENZIE, Esq., JAMES MANUEL, Esq., E. R. MOXEY, Esq., PHILIP TURNBULL, Esq., Rev. J. T. WORDSWORTH, R. H. CARRICK, Esq., Honorary Secretary
CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE "MARS" - A. L. SCOTT, Esq., late Lieutenant, Royal Navy.
SURGEON - Dr. STEWART, Newport.
SECRETARIES AND TREASURERS - MACKAY & MESS, C.A., 13 Albert Square, Dundee.
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1907.
PATRONS - The Most Hon. the MARQUESS of BREADALBANE, K.G.; The Right Hon. the EARL of CAMPERDOWN; The Right Hon. the EARL of ELGIN, K.G.; The Right Hon. the EARL of STRATHMORE; The Right Hon. LORD KINNAIRD; Lord ARMISTEAD; C. S. PARKER, Esq.
PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION - Sir WILLIAM OGILVY DALGLEISH, Bart.
TRUSTEES - THOMAS BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., Sir Wm. OGILVY DALGLEISH, Bart., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq.
GENERAL COMMITTEE - The Convener of the County of Perth, Col. HOME-DRUMMOND; The Convener of the County of Fife, Sir RALPH W. ANSTRUTHER, of Balcaskie, Bart; The Convener of the County of Aberdeen and Chairman of the Finance Committee; SHERIFFS-SUBSTITUTE at Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, and Perth; LORD PROVOSTS of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Perth; PROVOSTS of Arbroath, Brechin, Cupar Fife, Forfar, Montrose and St. Andrews; DAVID AIR, Esq., Councillor BALFOUR, Edinburgh, THOMAS BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., J. C. BUIST, Esq., Commander MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N., W. H. FERGUSSON, Esq., JOSEPH GIBSON, Esq., C. G. GOURLAY, Esq., JAMES GUTHRIE, Esq., DAVID HARRIS, Esq., Edinburgh, Capt. G. D. CLAYHILLS HENDERSON, R.N., J. W. KIDD, Esq., JOHN A. LENG, Esq., A. SINCLAIR HENDERSON, Esq., DAVID McINTYRE, Esq., Councillor McARTHY, Edinburgh, Councillor MURRAY, Edinburgh, JAMES H. HALLEY, Esq., ALEXANDER SCOTT, Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq., Lord Dean of Guild WILSON, Edinburgh.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - Chairman, W. N. WALKER, Esq.; THE PRESIDENT, ex-officio; THOMAS BELL, Esq., Commander MAITLAND DOUGIALL, R.N., W. H. FERGUSSON, Esq., JOSEPH GIBSON, Esq., JAMES GUTHRIE, Esq., J. W. KIDD, Esq., JAMES H. HALLEY, Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., H. S. WEDDERBURN, Esq., The Right Hon. JAMES P. GIBSON, Lord Provost, Edinburgh and Councillor BALFOUR, 119 High Street, Portobello, Councillor McARTHY, Edinburgh, and Counclilor MURRAY, 23 St. James' Square, Edinburgh - all of the Town Council of Edinburgh.
CARDIFF COMMITTEE - W. R. CORFIELD, Esq, B. T. HOLTHAM, Esq., JAMES HURMAN, Esq., ALBERT C. MACINTOSH, Esq., Wm. MACKENZIE, Esq., Chairman, PHILIP TURNBULL, Esq., Rev. J. T. WORDSWORTH, R. H. CARRICK, Esq., Hon. Secretary.
CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE "MARS" - A. L. SCOTT, late Lieutenant, Royal Navy.
SURGEONS - Dr. STEWART, Newport.
AUDITOR - J. C. ROBERTSON, C.A.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER - A. MACKAY, C.A., 22 Meadowside, Dundee.
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1916.
PATRONS - The Most Hon. the MARQUESS of BREADALBANE, K.G.; The Right Hon. the EARL of CAMPERDOWN; The Right Hon. the EARL of ELGIN, K.G.; The Right Hon. the EARL of STRATHMORE; The Right Hon. LORD KINNAIRD.
PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION - Commander W. MAITLAND DOUGALL, R.N.
TRUSTEES - J. C. BUIST, Esq., JAMES GUTHRIE. Esq., JAMES H. HALLEY, Esq., JAMES W. KIDD, Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., WILLIAM N. WALKER, Esq.
GENERAL COMMITTEE - The Convener of the County of Perth, The EARL of MANSFIELD; The Convener of the County of Fife, Sir RALPH W. ANSTRUTHER, of Balcaskie, Bart; The Convener of the County of Aberdeen and Chairman of the Finance Committee; SHERIFFS-SUBSTITUTE at Cupar Fife, Dundee, Forfar, and Perth; LORD PROVOSTS of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Perth; PROVOSTS of Arbroath, Brechin, Cupar Fife, Forfar, Montrose and St. Andrews; DAVID AIR, Esq., F. M. BATCHELOR, Esq., Councillor BATHGATE,Edinburgh, T. N. J. BELL, Esq., DAVID BRUCE, Esq., J. C. BUIST, Esq., The LORD DEAN of GUILD, Edinburgh, Colonel W. H. FERGUSSON, C. G. GOURLAY, Esq., JAMES GUTHRIE, Esq., JAMES H. HALLEY, Esq., Councillor HARKESS, Edinburgh, A. SINCLAIR HENDERSON, Esq., J. W. KIDD, Esq., JOHN A. LENG, Esq., Bailie McARTHY, Edinburgh, T. H. B. RORIE, Esq., Lieut.-Col H. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURN, F. B. SHARP. Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., H. GILES WALKER, Esq., W. N. WALKER, Esq.
EXECUITVE COMMITTEE - Chairman, JAMES GUTHRIE, Esq.; THE PRESIDENT, ex-officio; T. N. J. BELL. Esq., J. C. BUIST, Esq., Colonel W. H. FERGUSSON, J. W. KIDD, Esq., JAMES H. HALLEY. Esq., Lieut.-Col. H. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURN, F. B. SHARP. Esq., WILLIAM THOMSON, Esq., H. GILES WALKER, Esq., The Right Hon. the LORD PROVOST of Edinburgh and Councillor BATHGATE, 20 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, Councillor HARKESS, 23 Gilmour Road, Edinburgh, and Bailie McARTHY, 12 North Park Terrace, Edinburgh - all of the Town Council of Edinburgh.
CARDIFF COMMITTEE - ALBERT C. MACINTOSH, Esq., Chairman; Rev. E. I. COLLINS, W. R. CORFIELD, Esq, B. T. HOLTHAM, Esq., EDWARD NICHOLL, Esq., PHILIP TURNBULL, Esq.; R. H. CARRICK, Esq., Honorary Secretary.
CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE "MARS" - A. L. SCOTT, late Lieutenant, Royal Navy.
SURGEONS - Drs. STEWART and RUST, Newport.
AUDITOR - J. C. ROBERTSON, C.A.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER - A. MACKAY, C.A., 22 Meadowside, Dundee.
The illustrations are not in the original document. Photos of Capt. Scott and Mr McDougall are from Dundee Courier, 11 Jul 1928 & 14 Nov 1925 British Newspaper Archive.