SAILORS' QUARTERS AFLOAT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 211, 4 September 1903, Page 3

SAILORS' QUARTERS AFLOAT.

IMPROVEMENT NEEDED,

Mr Peake, in welcoming the men of the n§w Mission steamer Southern Cross at a concert at the Sailors' Home last evening, said that on a recept visit of inspection to the vessel he wae very much struck, as Hrhera were, with the beauty of her lines and her strength, which showed that the Mission had got a really substantial boat for their work. But in going through the ships, as he was shown over the quarters he was specially disappointed when he came to the men's quarters. (Applause.) In saying this he did not think it would be fair to throw all the blame upon the Mission Committee or upon the Trust Board. He believed Bishop Wilson, bsfore he went Home on the last occasion, asked some of the men of the old Southern Cross how the forecastle would suit for the men's quarters in the new boat, and he believed the men replied that it would be suitable. He supposed the Bishop, after that conversation, took no 3teps to have alterations made in the design of the new ship. During the six years in which he had been connected with this work he had visited many boats, both old and new, especially what were known aj ocean tramps, a large number of steamers being made now for deep water between the old and new country. Hβ considered it was deplorable to notice in those vessels the inadequate space allowed for the men's quarters. He made these remarks because he thought some representation should be made in the proper quarters to have this state of affairs altered. It was decidedly unfair that the crew, who were really responsible for the safety of the ship and the lives of those on board, should not be provided with quarters where they could take their rest and their meals in ordinary decency. Mr Peake's remarks were received with applause by the an dienee, among whom were many sailors and sailors' relatives.