MERCANTILE MARINE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 25, 9 November 1940, Page 7

MERCANTILE MARINE.

GALLANTRY OF SEAMEN.

PROVISION OF COMFORTS,

(Per Press Association).

WELLINTON, November 8

In. appreciation of the gallantry of British seamen in never failing to take their ships to sea in spite of the increased menaces of present day warfare, a. movement has been launched in Wellington to see that this service on behalf of the Empire is recognised in the same way as that of the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force. A committee has been formed, .named the Overseas Seamen’s Gift Committee, with Mr C. J. Turrell as president and Captain F. A. Mclndoe as chairman. A letter was sent to the National Patriotic Council, pointing out the service seamen are performing on behalf of the Empire, and suggesting that the crews of ships leaving New Zealand for British and foreign ports should receive gift parcels in tho same way as the men of the three fighting services. The letter stated that it was realised that each of the excellent societies working for seamen had greatly extended its peace-time operations, but the committee was of the opinion, that a national expression of appreciation could be> met by gift parcels, thesia to bei presented on the .e----parture of every ship. A satisfactory reply having been received from the National Patriotic Council to finance the undertaking futile duration of the Avar, a purchasing committee was elected and a womens committee formed for packing parcels The hope avus expressed that all avlio Avislved to share in this wfork would send contributions to the National Patriotic Council, specially marked as tor the Sailors’ Gift Fund.