“Sailors’ Home a Disgrace to City”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 133, 26 August 1927, Page 1

“Sailors’ Home a Disgrace to City”

Urgent Appeal for Funds for Repairs CRACKS IN BUILDING The Auckland Sailors’ Home does not reflect credit upon the proud city upon whose waterfront it stands. Not that the management is at fault. Far from it. For over 40 years it has served the men who “go down to the sea in ships” faithfully and well. The time has arrived when this institution, one of the Edward Costley bequests to Auckland, should be repaired. Daylight greets the inquiring visitor between the wall which divides the kitchen from the dining-room. There are equally ominous cracks in other parts of tho building sadly in want of attention. It Is estimated that no less a sum than £ 8,000 is necessary to put tho Sailors’ Home in a proper state of repair. Of this sum the Auckland Savings Bank has generously found £3,000. Auckland citizens are asked to follow this example. The money is urgently required, and there is no question as to the worthiness of the cause. Associated with the home is the < mission of the Auckland branch of tho British Sailors’ Society. This work is carried on by the United Protestant Churches with the exception of the Anglican Church, which has its own mission in this city. NEAT AND TIDY Despite the old building with its general inconveniences, the visitor is at once impressed with its neat and tidy appearance inside. The floors reflect the shoes of the caller even if the linoleum is almost threadbare, and should have been discarded years before. It is the same in the kitchen. Despite the old-fashioned stove, which has almost burned itself out, the very best is made of existing facilities. Modern labour-saving devices would make considerably lighter the task of those in charge, and lessen expenditure. In some places the foundations of the building are defective. Tr>p kitchen, pantry and sanitary arrangements certainly do not reflect credit upon an institution of this kind. In the past the home has relied upon voluntary contributions. It is now essential, however, that a general ar* peal should be made. Citizens should not forget the debt of gratitude they owe the men of tho mercantile marine for their war services. Surely it is not too much to ask that these men should have a little reasonable comfort when ashore * There are many pitfalls awaiting seamen in every port. The dice is invariable* loaded against him. He leaves? his ship with the very best of intentions, only to find himself penniless probably the very next morning. HAND IN GREETING This is where the mission plays its the Mission Hall attached to the home, by the way, is also badly in aeed of attention. Here mariners can find quiet and warmth, and a kindly hand in greeting. The call upon both Home and Mission within recent months has been particularly severe. Every day there are continual demands for free meals and for money. Seamen have been feeling the unamplovment pinch just as much as their fellow-workers ashore.