CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1921, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

TN THE INTERESTS OF THE SEA-FARING MEN.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —(With the advent of an everincreasing influx of overse'ae shipping, and not forgetting the regular coastal and inter-colonial boats which call at the port of New Plymouth, I marvel that up to the present no steps have been taken in the direction of launching an organisation in New Plymouth with the object of catering in some decree for the comfort and social instincts of the large number of sea-faring men of all ratings who visit this port in the course of a year. In conversation with members of various 4 ships’ crews (particularly those from overseas) I have frequently, heard the greatest surprise expressed by these men that in this town there was nothing in the nature of a sailor's rest, or some similar institution to which they could resort and have a little kindly interest shown them in their leisure hours or on Sunday. I have been given to understand that in all the larger ports of New Zealand there are organisations of one kind or another whose sphere of activity is definitely to attend to the welfare of the seamen who will avail themselves of the kindness offered; and surely now, if never before, opportunity’s door is open in New Plymouth for someone of a philanthropic turn of mind to move in the direction I have indicated. I feel sure there are those in our town who, once they had given the matter some thought, would be in sympathy with any movement that might be started, and who will ho doubt let their sympathy take some tangible form. The local Press has shown considerable zeal in forwarding the interests of New Plymouth as a seaport town from a business point of view, but I trust, Mr. Editor, that my humble contribution under the above heading may be productive of some comment either through your correspondence or editorial columns, and whether in criticism or in support of the object which has prompted my letter, I shall feel that its publication h'as been justified. Thanking you in anticipation.—l am, etc., GILBERT ELLIS.