BRITISH SAILORS’ SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 81, 29 December 1928, Page 19

BRITISH SAILORS’ SOCIETY

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES. The week-end at the Institute of the British Sailors’ Society was a particularly bright and happy one for the men in port. On Saturday evening a social was held which was largely attended, games, songs and instrumental items being indulged in. Supper, was served by th. workers, and a very pleasant time was spent until 10.30 p.m. Sunday service commenced at 9.30 a.m. with Holy Communion. The celebrant was the Rev. H. Harris. The sailors’ tea at 5.30 p.m. was presided over by Mrs. Weston, and full justice was done to the good things provided. In the evening a large number of men attended for the Christmas service, the preacher being Brigadier Middlemiss, of the Salvation Army. The sailors’ song service was a real happy time, the sailors choosing their own hymns and singing with gusto. On Christmas Day a high tea was provided in the rooms, which were beautifully decorated by the workers, the society entertaining over 70 men. An. air of Christmastide was lent to the proceedings by the men wearing paper hats. Each man received a Christmas gift of a well-filled ditty bag. On Boxing Day the weather was too inclement for the picnic, but a happy time was spent in the institute, luncheon, tea and supper being served by the workers. In the evening a concert was given by Mrs. Ethel Hardie’s entertainers. Each item was greeted with applause, the performers having to respond to numerous eneores. The community singing by the men was good to listen to. At the conclusion a vote of thanks was proposed and carried by acclamation. Mrs. Hardie responded on behalf of the party. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Items were contributed by Mesdames Hardie and Morris, Misses Zeta Hardie, Ila and Hazel Wright, and Jean Edlin. Messrs. Edlin. Norman. Edlin, and Bevan. The accompanists were Mesdames Hardie and Morris. The secretary desires to thank each and every one who contributed gifts, etc., to make Christmastide the happy and pleasant one it was for the sailors in port.