On Wednesday in the Commons Mr. Churchill explained the new
scheme for increased pay in the Navy. Roughly, it may be said that the pay of the men is increased by about 3d. a day, and the pay of the petty officers by about 4d. a day. Every man joining the Navy in future will start on the level which has hitherto been attained only by those earning good- conduct badges. Few men will earn less than two shillings a day and, of course, they live free. The Royal Marine Light Infantry and the Royal Marine Artillery are to have special allowances when afloat. The pay of naval lieutenants is also to be raised. At present they receive ten shillings a day on promotion and rise to twelve shillings after eight years with six years' service, of which three have been afloat. In future they will get eleven shillings after four years, twelve shillings after six years, and thirteen shillings after eight years without condi- tions as to service afloat. Half-pay captains are to get 3s. 6d. a day more, and command money for commanders in sea-going ships is raised from 3s. 9d. to 5s. a day. The new scheme includes a free kit for every man on entering the Navy, but free maintenance of kit is not conceded. Nor has Mr. Churchill removed the grievance of the stoppage of pay of men in hospitaL The new rates of pay will cost 200,000 a year. No sensible person will grudge a penny of it. The contentment of the service is quite as important as ship- building or gun practice, and it can be purchased very cheaply. It was high time that the pay should be raised, after remain.. ing unchanged for more than fifty years.
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