SLEEPING EVERYWHERE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 190, 13 August 1925, Page 9

SLEEPING EVERYWHERE.

SHAKEDOWNS FOR THE MEN. CIALI-: KEEPS LARGE CROWD ON LAND. From tho rnnf to ihe basement the V.M.C.A. hostel whs last night covered with sailors and marines sleeping anywhere and anyhow. On tables, on couches, men rolled themselves in blankets and snatched what sleep they could. Mr. Braflted, the energetic secretary of the V.M.C.A., bad a fine band of workers lielping him, and the unexpected influx of guest was handled remarkably well. I'ully 1300 men were crowded into the building—which contains only l.~>o beds —and a similar number was accommodated n the big shed at Prince's wharf, where the V.M.C.A. has what may be called a branch, and 700 stretchers Tigged up. A concrete floor does not sound very inviting, but storm-bound eailors did not worry about such a trifle as that, and they seemed quite content with a blanket or two between them and their unyielding couches. There was a tremendous sea running in the harbour last night, and it was no wonder that the motor boata found it impossible to work the ships. Up to half-past nine tho boats stuck to their job, but then it was decided that it would be unwise to needlessly risk the lives of the men, and this meant that about 2000 men were left to swell the ranks of the men on night leave. Naturally, some of the visitors had been investigating the strength of New Zealand hops, and they arrived at their improvised sleeping quarters up town or down at tho wharf somewhat elevated, hut there was no trouble whatever with them. Some nationalities under similar circumstances, get obstreperous, but in the Americans, it only seems to make them humorous and confiding. In the midst of the' Seething crowd last night, looking not for beds, which had all gone long before,.but for anywhere to lay a blanket, there was one disconsolate individual. '"Ah'm lonesome, oh, Ah'm sure lonesome!" •