THE SAILORS’ SOCIETY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 30, 15 November 1939, Page 4

THE SAILORS’ SOCIETY.

In the reviews of the war given in the House of Commons the Prime Minister and the First Lord of the Admiralty have paid warm tributes to the manner in which the men of the mercantile marine are carrying out their part in the conflict. Surrounded constantly by dangers from attack by submarines and by hostile aircraft, the men have been acting in the best traditions of the service, keeping open the sea lanes and conveying to Great Britain the goods that are the lifeblood of the nation. "With as little thought of self as in peace-time the men are devoting themselves to this vital work in many danger zones around the British Isles and in other waters where the menace of raiders is always present and where the protection of the Navy cannot be relied on as in home waters. In fair weather and foul they have been subjected to more difficulties than perhaps any other of the forces working for the nation, and they have earned the gratitude of those in high places ns w r ell as of the people in all parts of the Empire. Any movement that gives tangible form to this gratitude merits public support. One of the ’organisations that has performed good service in providing comforts for men on overseas ships is the Sailors’ Society, the Ashburton branch of which has worked enthusiastically for many years. In this time of national emergency it is felt that extra effort is required, and the members are responding cheerfully to the call, confident that the general public will grant them even more generous assistance than has been the case iii the past.