Merchant Navy Centre “Not ‘Closed Union’”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30580, 24 October 1964, Page 19

Merchant Navy Centre “Not ‘Closed Union’”

Membership of the Canterbury Merchant Navy Centre was not a closed union, said the centre’s president (the Rev. Canon R. J. Witty), replying to a letter to the editor of “The Press.” The correspondent, “Candid,” said:—“Within the next few weeks the Canterbury Merchant Navy Centre (branch of the British Sailors' Society) will hold its annual street appeal. To give the subscribing public an indication of the reason for the appeal, will the society’s president answer the following questions? What is done with the money received? How much does the centre hold in invested assets and what is being done with those assets to reconstruct the club and provide improved facilities for seamen? Give particulars regarding the wasteful expenditure of £2OOO on a house worth less than £lOOO, and what has been done about a quote of £5OO to make the house decently habitable? Reasons and details of the turn-over of four superintendents in about five years and the cost of their replacement. Why the centre’s membership appears to be in the nature of a closed union and why more encouragement is not given to prospective members and the work of the centre is little publicised?” Use of Funds Canon Witty said that proceeds of the street appeal were used for the continued provision of facilities and amenities at the Lyttelton Seaman’s Club. About 15,000 men each year used the club. Audited accounts for the year ended February 29, 1964, showed £2700 in invested assets which were to be used in forthcoming modernisation and renovation of club premises, said Canon Witty. The statement that the house purchase was wasteful was contrary to fact. The property had been purchased after thorough inspection and at Government valuation, and improvements had since been carried out.

“Candid” had failed to mention that the first of the four superintendents Who left in “about five years” and who resigned in 1961 had been with the centre for a number of years and resigned for reasons of ill health, Canon Witty said. His successor left after about one year, as he felt unable to continue to do justice to the position, which was an arduous one.

The third superintendent was appointed till the board of directors had, after careful deliberation, decided on a change of policy which had

necessitated the superintendent being able to move among the public, Canon Witty said. The policy change under which the present superintendent was appointed early this year was for him to move out among the public. To stimulate interest and support as well as give the publicity necessary to the centre. He was happy in his position, and intended to remain indefinitely. “Quite False” “The last sentence concerning membership is quite false,” said Canon Witty. “Let him or anyone else send the membership fee of £1 to the treasurer, C/- the Canterbury Merchant Navy Centre, Lyttelton, and he will soon find out whether the membership is a closed union or not. We would welcome thousands of members,” The board of directors comprised representatives of shipping interests, businessmen, clergy and representatives of the Ladies’ Guild elected at the annual meeting. All give their services voluntarily for the good of the men of the sea. “Your correspondent’s letter appears to me to be an attempt to imply that there is something wrong in the management of the centre,” said Canon Witty. “Lastly, any member of the public is always welcome to visit the club when it is open and to see it in action. I hope many will.”