CHRISTMAS TEA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 235, 23 December 1927, Page 11

CHRISTMAS TEA

SEAMEN ENTERTAINED FLYING ANGEL MISSION More than 100 seamen from veeseis in the Port of Auckland attended the Christmas tea provided by the Flying Angel Mission to Seamen in the fine new building in Emily Place last evening. Canon Grant Cowen was at the head of the table, and Archbishop Averill. who is the president of the board of governors, attended, and wished the company the compliments of the seaAfter a hearty meal the men were entertained by some local artists, including Mr. Allan MrElwain, and they amused themselves by a “community sing.” Christmas carols and old favourites like “Mother Machree,” “The Old-fashioned Town,” “Home. Sweet Home,” were sung lustily and well. Probably the public is not aware of the useful service to the country performed by the mission, especially during the winter months, when unemployment was so rife. Many of the seamen were unable to find ships, and the mission did its best for these. During the last month 2,500 men visited the rooms and were provided, with rest, amusement and refreshment. The mission has been under a. great hndicap, because since the strike of 1925 there has been no permanent missioner, owing to lack of funds. However, the Rev. H. Vickery, missioner at Newcastle, New South Wales, has been appointed to Auckland, and he will take up his duties in March. It is hoped that the mission will then become better known and supported. Although the Church of England has control of it, the rooms are not restricted to the use of Anglicans; sea- ! men of all races and creeds are wei- : come.

Mrs Preston Chambers and Misses Herrold and Bent were among the helpers who arranged yesterday's tea.