FRIDAY’S APPEAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 57, 23 July 1947, Page 5

FRIDAY’S APPEAL

MERCHANT NAVY DAY A Street Appeal to citizens of Whakatane will be made on the 25th July, for the above Seamens Missions and Sailors Home and Surf Life Saving Association, Auckland. This will only be the second call for help made in the province for the Merchant Navy Men to 1 whom we owe a debt of gratitude for services in the war that we can never fully repay. The cool courage displayed, equals that of any branch of the services and without it, the war would not have been waged or won.

The different Seamen’s Missions’ are endeavouring to repay that debt by entertaining them when in port.

Every ship on arrival, is visited, and the crew invited to take advantage of the organisations, and no further proof of their popularity is needed beyond the large number attending nightly. Bands of ladies are, always in attendance to act as hostesses, games and dancing partners, etc. and very frequently the men are guests at private homes. Football, hockey, and other sports are arranged.

War weai-y men, and men in illhealth are sent to the country where they are the guests of farmers, and this complete change of environment has a very very beneficial effect in returning them to mental and physical health and strength. The services rendered have a particularly good effect on the many hundreds of young fellows who are adopting the Merchant Navy as a career.

It is confidently expected that on Friday next everyone will give generously.