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Personal Sketches of Marine Men George A. Marr, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, Lake Carriers’ Association By Wm. M. Faber E has served the Lake Carriers’ association continuously since its organization in 1904, during which time it has steadily gained in prestige. HE welfare plan of the association has been developed and adminis- trated under his active supervision. Its success is largely due to his efforts. N him the men sailing on the vessels of the Great Lakes, as well as the owners, recognize the qualities of sound judgment and fair dealing. meyjiik career of George A. Marr has been so closely connected with the Lake Carriers’ association for the last thirty years that the successive steps in his advancement may be said to mark its steady growth through good times and bad. Now as its full time executive he holds the offices of vice president, secretary and treasurer, Modest, mild mannered and humane with a deep understanding of the relations between employes and employers, he has earned and retained the esteem, not only of the vessel owners who make up the associa- tion’s membership, but also of the thousands of men who make their living on these vessels. He was ap- pointed secretary of the association in April, 1904, by William Livingstone, then and for many years there- after its president. Throughout the years he has seen the association grow in numbers and influence until now the member ships number 400 of 2,197,026 gross tons. He has been responsible for the development and administration of the association’s successful welfare plan, now a model for shipping organizations the world over. To this plan, establishing the world’s highest shipping wages and the best working conditions for sailors, is largely due the freedom enjoyed by association mem- bers from major labor troubles since 1909—a record to which any industry could point with pride. Under the supervision of Mr. Marr, whose energy and perseverance supplied the active guiding force, many important features have been incorporated into the plan, after careful consideration by the association’s executive committee and as conditions warranted, throughout the long period of its existence. From keeping a record of the wnereabouts of every sailor actively engaged on each ship, the plan has been expanded, since its inception in 1913, until it now in- -cludes a system of registration whereby for a nominal sum benefits are assured to the family of a registered sailor in case of his accidental death in the line of duty. Beginning in 1916, schools established to train young men as pilots and engineers have aided over 1000 to secure their licenses as officers. By educational methods and through co-operation with banks the association has made it possible for the men on each ship to save their money. Serious injuries due to accidents have been practically eliminated by continu- ous, practical and effective efforts on the part of the association in building up among the men themselves a strict regard for all safety measures. Halls in charge of commissioners are maintained by the association at each important lake port where offi- cers may find men for their crews and men waiting a berth may assemble in comfortable surroundings. While working for the welfare of the group, Mr. Marr has always been ready to help the individual. Every man coming to him for aid in securing employment or with a grievance has been courteously received, with the result that the men have come to feel that in him they have a real friend. His genuine humanity was well demonstrated in one instance when he offered a blood transfusion to an injured sailor. Of Scotch ancestry, he was born in Detroit, 68 years ago, After completing grade school, he entered the employ of the Michigan Central railroad. He served as secretary to the general superinendent for 15 years. In 1904, after a short sojourn in Buffalo, he came to Cleve- land to join the then newly incorporated Lake Carriers association as its secretary. He became treasurer, as well, in 1918 and in 1929 the board of directors, in recognition of his able and faithful service, elected him vice president in addition to the two offices he al- ready held. His two hobbies are traveling and reading. He has an extensive library of history, biography and travel. MARINE REVIEwW—October, 1934 ot