CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR SEAMEN.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14547, 26 December 1912, Page 7

CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR SEAMEN.

* SAILORS' ' SOCIETY TEA. For several years past tho members of tho Lyttelton branch of tho British and Foreign Sailors' Society have entertained the seamen of all the ships in port on Christmas Day, at a special tea and concert, which has been greatly appreciated by tho men. Formerly tho function has been held in the Colonists' Hall, but this year, tho Society was able to entertain tho men in the new King George V Seamen's Institute. A general invitation was extended to all seamen in port, and' met with a ready response. About 150 seamen sat down to tea in the largo social hall of tho Institute, and did full justice to the splendid spread of Christmas delicacies. Sailors, firemen, boys, and a sprinkling of bluejackets were present, and enjoyed themselves hugely, and were loud in their expressions of gratitude and appreciation of the good time given them. The ladies had prepared a largo number of bags, each containing a neatly bound Testament, and a full supply of needles, pins, threads, cottons, and a general assortment of articles useful to seamen, and every man present last evening was given" a bag. After tea, the hall was cleared and tho men wore further entertained at a Christmas concert. The hall was packed to tho doors and tho men gave themselves, up to the full enjoyment of the evening. " A splendid programme included Christmas carols, soncs and instrumental items, and tho 300 rnon present joined in very heartily in singing choruses. " , Captain J. A. H. Marcicl. president of tho local branch of tho British and Foreiarn Sailors' Society, and known as tho "Seamens' Friend," presided at tho concert, and in a brief speech wnrmlv welcomed the men.

A most successful gathering concluded shortly after 0 p.m. with the p'nging of the sailor's hymn "For Those in Poril on the Sea" and the Nntional Anthem.