OUR SAILORS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 931, 15 December 1910, Page 3

OUR SAILORS.

We have read in song and stor> Of brave deeds that sailors do; They have fired our boyhood’s fancy, And have nerved our manhood, too: Far and wide, o’er leagues of ocean, Under low’ring skies or fair, England’s heart is with her sailors Toiling nobly everywhere. But the strongest hand must falter, And the broadest back be bowed ; And the ear less keenly hearken To the music of the shroud ; Whilst the eye grows dim with watching, And the locks grow scant and grey: Then the sailor runs for harbour, For he knows he’s had his day. Once the Workhouse bade him welcome (Irony, alas!—but true !) Or the “doss” house gave him shelter With a strange ignoble crew ; Till the “ Royal Alfred ” —founded By a small true-hearted band — Raised a fund and forthwith offered To “ Poor Tack ” a helping hand. We have praised—Ah, me! how often — In fine words what Jack has done; Shall we not go one step further And express our thanks each one, By a well-timed contribution — Now that Christmastide draws near — To this Home for Aged Seamen, “ Tack’s Last Port” at Belvedere. A.M., 1910. These verses have been inspired by the urgent need of the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen’s Institution (established 1867), which appeals for funds to enable the committee to assist the hundreds of old and destitute British merchant seamen now awaiting relief. Contributions — large or small—will- be gladly welcomed and acknowledged by the secretary, Mr J. Bailey Walker, at 58, Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.