THE MISSION TO SEAMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 305, 24 December 1924, Page 9

THE MISSION TO SEAMEN.

(To the Editor. 1 \ Sir, — f notice in a letter written ijpn behalf of the local committee, and a r"t pearing in this evening s "Star," that* Mr. Cutfield, the hca. si .retaw|| i ntions, inter alia, that the a suitable section, for which th \ paid £1400 in 1315". This is quite untrue. The facts of the case are as fallow:— I had. worked in the port of Auckland practically unassisted by the so-called "church people," with the exception of the usual members of different congregations, who have always been constant and true to my work. This strenuous labour was carried on by my wife and self for twelve years, and. although reports were prepared for the Sync . I such reports were conspicuous by tb-ir absence. I was Tepeatedly inforuicd that my work amongst seamen was "not diocesan," but was a branch of a worldwide mission. It was in 191!) that I visited many parishes, and tried to arouse sympathy on behalf of my Work, the result being an impetus to some ladies, who kindly worked up '..he "Jack Tar Market." The apathy shown by the Anglican Church as a whole for the first twelve years of my strenuous duties in this port was, to say the least of it, appalling. Perhaps the copy of a letter sent by the late Bishop Neligan, and an extract from the late general superintendent of the Missions to Seamen, also from the secretary, S. C. Kox, give some idea of loyalty which was shown to mc by men who knew my difficulties. I am informed by the Bishop, Dr. Avcrill, that the resolutions first sent to mc by the local committee, and which I refused to accept, are now obsolete. —I am, etc., ARTHTJK P. COWIE. Missioner to Seamen. December 23. [The extracts enclosed refer in eulogistic terms to the work done both by (Mr and Mrs. Cowie in the- mission and the difficulties confronting the mission.—Ed.J (To the Editor.) Sir, —I must congratulate the secretary of the Missions to Seamen for his Christmas carol in last night's "Star" to the sailors' champion, the Missioner to Seamen, Mr. A. P. Cowic. It certainly vibrates with "peace and goodwill" to a man who has worked for over seventeen years in this port for - the welfare of his fellow men. As a churchman, I protest against this un-Christian -ehaviour, especially from) a quarter where one would expect love and charity, especially at this time of the year.—l am, etc., CHURCHMAN. December 23.