SAILORS' SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 4, 6 January 1936, Page 13

SAILORS' SOCIETY

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

The Christmas and New Year activities of the British Sailors' Society, Wellington branch, were restricted somewhat this year by the absence or overseas shipping both at . Christmas and again at the New Year. On the Sunday preceding Christmas Day a fine Christmas service was held at the rooms, 47 Cuba Street, the preacher being Colonel Burton, of the Salvation Army, who was assisted by his four daughters, Misses Olga (violinist), Phyllis (pianist), and Doreen. and Berenice (soloists). There was a fair attendance of seamen and a fine spirit was manifested by the men and members of the society. Carols and Christmas hymns were sung, and solos by the young ladies and violin and piano numbers were also given. The singsong after the service was also much enjoyed, the men choosing their own favourite hymns. On Christmas Day the rooms rlooked attractive with decorations of blue and white (the work of Mrs. Hoult and Miss Hart), and the tables with orange and white antirrhinums and blue crepe paper on the white cloths. Although there were no ships in port a high tea was prepared by the ladiee and served to the old seamen and adherents of the society. Pull justice was done to all the good things provided. In the evening a conversazione was held and many and varied experiences were exchanged by these old seamen. Supper was served by the workers and the evening brought to a close with many good wishes for the season. No picnics were held this year owing again to the absence of shipping on the holidays. The New Year's Sunday service was

taken by Mr. Eric Light, who is on holiday from Dunedin. Solos were sung by Miss Jacques, Mr. Light, sen., and a duet by Mr. and Mrs. B. Child. Another good sing-song of hymns took place after the service. On New Year's Day, the Tamaroa being in port, her men were entertained in the evening and each presented with a well-filled bag" kindly provided by the Ladies' Guild. Good wishes were again given by and to the men before leaving for their ship, which sailed the next day. The secretary desires to thank all who so generously helped in any way to make the Christmas season a happy one for the men.