MISSIONS TO SEAMEN.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1694, 10 March 1913, Page 2

MISSIONS TO SEAMEN.

I ' PRESENTATION TO MR, W. E. COCKS. The' weekly concert held at the Missions to Seamen, Whitinore Street, last Wednesday evening, was especially interesting, and the building was packed. The concert was arranged by Miss Dix, who supplied an excellent programme. The main feature of the evening was a presentation to Mr. and Mis. W. E. Cocks from the officers and 6eamen who visit Wellington. Mr. M'Gowan said that, owing to the uneasiness prevailing with regard to Mr. Cocks's position as inissioner, the seamen had'decided to take a hand in the game, and to that end asked Mr. and Mrs. Cocks to accept the presentation as a mark of ; appreciation ot the magnificent work they have done and are doing amongst tho seafarers in Wellington. The presentation consisted of an illuminated address, a beautiful piece of work, executed by a seaman, and signed by one hundred and fifty-three gonume'£e.itnen. It reads'as follows:--' •

"We, the undersigned officers and men of the mercantile marine, desire to express to you our deep sense of gratitude for the splendid work you have done, and are doing amongst us. We feel we cannot allow the present crisis to pass without expressing our heartfelt admiration of your sterling qualities, and to this end we crave your acceptance of this token of our appreciation, and of the esteem in which you are held by us. We need hardly remind you that you have our wholehearted support in your work. We trust you will be spared to us many_ years to continue in your good work. With God's blessing and prosperity in your* future lives.—Wo remain, yours faithfully (here follow 153 signatures). Mr. M'Gowan stated that there was a seamen's petition in circulation, which was already signed by over 500 officers and seamen, and it was expected bv the time it was ready to bo sent to the headquarters in London to bear over 1000 signatures. And they challenged any one to say that any name on it was not that of a genuine seaman, for no _ was allowed to sign unless he proved himself to be such. Mr. Cocks had heard of the petition, and had asked for. it to be stopped, but he had greatly underrated the thoroughness of the seamen who had taken up the fight on his behalf, and they were going to see it through to an end. Others had thrown down the gauntlet, and they had accepted the same. ' Mr. Cocks, on stepping forward, met with a great ovation,,- the audience being greatly excited, singing "They Are Jolly Good Fellows" and giving hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Cocks. Mr. Cocks, who was greatly moved, said he did not knowhow to thank the 6eamen for their magnificent gift. They had cleaned knocked him out. Words could not express his thoughts at the moment. Ho said they had only been amongst them for four months, and it was more than they ever dreamt of, for their services to be accepted in this way. No doubt the peculiar circumstances had stimulated the feelings of the men, for there' was no doubt seamen were true lovers of justice. They had left their home and friends in Sydney to come here, and would no doubt deeply feel it if they were turned down now; or, in other words, wero moved on to other parts. He said he had no idea such a movement was on foot. He knew that there was a petition being signed on his behalf, and he had used his best endeavours to check such a thing,, but he had not realised until this moment that it had grown to such nil extent. However, thev would, with God's help, work on with "renewed vigour, for he realised they had the whole-hearted support of the seafarers amongst whom they carried on their work. He again returned thanks on behalf of Mrs. Cocks and himself, and, amidst loud cheers, resumed his seat. The concert, which was a great success, was much appreciated by the men.