LONELY SAILORS' APPEAL.

Shannon News, 24 July 1925, Page 2

LONELY SAILORS' APPEAL.

ADVERTISING FOR PARTNERS. OVERWHELMED WITH REPLIES. The dashing sailor with a girl in every port he'visits has 'been famed in prose and rhyme lor uncounted years. It is natural that sons of the sea, particularly those on merchant ships, who live for dreary weeks on end apart from the gracious influence of feminine society, should seek to live up to the reputation with which they have been clothed, justly or unjustly as the case may be. On the arrival in Auckland last week of an overseas 'vessel the officers, who have the handling of a dark-skinned crew, naturally desired to take part in such social diversions as were available to reputable members of an honoured profession. Strangers to the city, they sought advice from a local resident, whose duties led him to interview them. In enumerating the various attractions of the city the Aucklander mentioned a well-known cabaret where dancing parties are provided with soothing music amid pleasant surroundings. The cabaret suggestion was hailed with delight by the officers, but on being informed that they would have to bring their own partners further advice on the matter was earnestly invoked. The counsellor, imbued with a keen sense of the value of advertisement, suggested that a notice in the daily papers asking for partners to accompany the officers to the cabaret would probablv prove effective. In adopting the" suggestion the visitors, though members of a hardy calling, had not the faintest idea of the passion for jazzing, particularly with sailors, possessed by Auckland girls. Replies to the advertisement poured in by the dozen, the total exceeding 100. In addition bevies of blushing applicants invaded the wharf and made personal application to be included in the party. The response, in fact, was so overwhelming that the party, which was fixed for Saturday evening, was wisely abandoned. A new avenue of social activity is now being sought by the visiting '■officers.