MEN OF THE MERCHANT SERVICE
SAILORS' FRIEND SOCIETY
THE INSTITUTE A CREDIT TO
WELLINGTON
The part that the Sailors' Friend Society, of Wellington, plays in the lifo of seafarers was'amply testified to at the anniversary celebrations in connection with the institution, which took place last night. The chair was occupied by Sir Robert Stout, who was received at tho entrance the institute bv a guard of honour composed of a detachment of Amokura boys. Sir Robert Stout said that it was a credit to Wellington that fi(hcre should bo such - a society here. The society conferred a great boon on the sailors by providing them with a home away from home. The hardness of the sailor's lot was proverbial, and it was well thai some provision should be made for his comfort and entertainment during his stay in port. The Chief Justice went on to refer to the actiWes of the Mercantile Marine during the war, and the loss of life among- seamen thereby occa/Bioned. Alluding to tho work of the missioner (Mr. James Moore), ho stated ii , ol \ lns «h° u Wers devolved tho'difficult task of keeping the society going; no had also to meet the soiloro in po<-t and make them feel at home. Sir Robert Stout concluded by declaring' tHi© soMty to be worthy of overv assistance and encouragement. (Applause.) The statement of accounts as submitu? i$ f showed receipts itoKillinp J274S Os, 5d., nn increaso of approximately .£7O on those of the previous year.
The work carried out during tho yrar was outlined by the missioncr in tha courso of an interesting address. No fewer than 100 concert* had been held, unci some 8(100 letters lind }x?en Trritton in the social room. Three hundred sailnr5 i "ad signed the pledge—and the majority kept it. The Wellington pubins had jriveu further evidence of its practical interest in the society—indeed, never once during his Association with the work had he asked for anything in vain.
A feature of the gathering was the unveiling' of a brass memorial tablet, as a tribute to die 20.000 members of the merchant service who laid down their lives during the Great War. The cere, moity was performed .by Lady Stout, who dwelt on the sacrifice made by "those who go down to the sea in shins."
On the motion of Mr. A. L. Hunt, seconded by Mr. fi. C. Adams, a resolution was adopted recognising the splendid <*rvices of the mercantile marine during tho war and resolving to do everything in the power of those ' present, to forward the work of the society.
During the evening vocal items were contributed /by Madame Mueller, Mecdanies J. Patterson and E. Hatton. The accompanist was Mrs. T>. Stephens.
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Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 290, 1 September 1920, Page 8
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453MEN OF THE MERCHANT SERVICE Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 290, 1 September 1920, Page 8
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