BRITISH SAILORS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 85, 4 January 1935, Page 4

BRITISH SAILORS

Entertained by Society HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS Christmas and the New Year were times of very happy memories for the men who were the guests of the British Sailors’ Society at this season of the year. On Sunday a Christmas service was held, the service being taken by Adjutant Inwood and a party of singers from the Salvation Army. Some very fine Christmas solos, duets, and quartets were sung by Misses Kirk (2) and Olsen, and Messrs. Envoy Bridge and Inwood. There was a tine attendance of seamen and workers, and at the conclusion of the service a song service was held, the men choosing their own favourite hymns and joining in to a man. For Christmas Day the ladies of the society had prepared a line Christmas tea, the decorations of the rooms and tables J*'.rmonising together. There was a large attendance of men from the ships in port, and a large number of men from the H.M.A.S. Australia were also the guests of the society. After tea a singsong was held, and a very fine time was spent. On Boxing Day a large party set off by motor-bus for Maori Bank, where a picnic was held, the grounds being kindly lenf by Mr. E. Quinn, who also provided milk for the day. ' Swimming was the main item during the morning. After lunch sports were commenced, but owing to the thunderstorm and rain these had to be abandoned. The party spent the remainder of the afternoon at the Petone beach, where all sorts of games were indulged in and thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of the day a return to the rooms was made. Tea was then served and after this a social evening spent in games, dancing, etc. The men departed to their ■ships after expressing thanks for the kindness extended to them. Before leaving each man was presented with a wellhlled "ditty bag” from the ladies’ guild. On New Year’s Day another large party of bluejackets and merchantmen set off for the same picnic grounds, where a very happy time was spent in swimming, football, and cricket. In the afternoon more swimming and a hike were held. The party set off for town about 4 p.m. Tea was served in the rooms, and in the evening a social and dance was given to finish the day. Before leaving, the men of H.M.A.S. Australia presented the secretary witli a large inscribed photograph of their ship for hanging in the rooms, and spoke of the wonderful time the society had given them during their stay in this port. They said they would never forget the Christmas of 1934.

The secretary desires to thank,all those who contributed with cash or goods to make this festive season such a’jolly one for, the men who are so far from their homes and friends at this season of the year.