THE SAILORS1 CHRISTMAS.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 154, 28 December 1898, Page 6

THE SAILORS 1 CHRISTMAS.

♦ The Missions to Seamen's Society made (writes a correspondent) special provision for the seafarers of the port during Christmas. On Christmas Day there were two hearty services in the brightly decorated mission-room. There was a large attendance in the morning, when Mr. Moore, lay missionary, preached on " Peace on Earth." The lessons were read by the captain of the s.s. Queen Louise and Mr. Martin. At the evening service there was a crowded attendance, when the subject •was "Good-will." The lessons were taken by Mr. Fancourt. Carols and hymns were sung at the close of the service, and the sailors remained as the guests of the mission and accepted Christmas hospitality. On Boxing Day a very large party of seamen met on the wharf to go with Mr. Moore to the Grange at Wadestown, where tuey had been invited to become the guests of Mrs. Rhodes. The downpour of rain put a stop to the suburban outing, but the lay missioner secured the Theatre Royal for the day, and here, from 12 to 12, good old Christmas pleasures were enjoyed by the men as the guests of Mrs. Rhodes, who sent a bountiful stock of provisions for the visitors. Luncheon, tea, and supper were partaken of, and games, races, tugs-of-war, etc., filled up the day. Each of the sailors received a good supply of tobacco. Mesdames Rutherford (2) and J. Moore, the Misses Powles, Messrs. Barclay (2), Rutherfurd (2), Martin, and Hill attended to the wants of the men, and left no stone unturned to make everything go with a swing. During the day the following extracts from a letter sent to Mr. Moore by Mrs. Rhodes was read :—": — " lam truly sorry the day is so disappointing. I hope to join your party at 5 o'clock. Please do not allow anyone to think that I am wanting in fullest sympathy if I am unable to make my appearance. It will give me pleasure to pay for the use of the Theatre Royal. Hoping you will all have a happy day, and wishing every individual with you a very happy New Year, I am, etc., etc." Ringing cheers followed the reading of the above. The Bishop of Wellington, Colonel Williams, M.P., and Miss Williams looked in during the day. The Bishop, who was met with cheers, said how grateful he was to see the work going forward, and the men enjoying the day so much. He then presented the prizes won in the races. A feature of the evening was the limelight display given by Mr. Barltrop, who exhibited by his beautiful new lanterns, just received from Home. In addition to Mr. Barltrop's slides, many loaned by Mr. Knowles were shown, all with a salt sea breezy flavour about them. After cheers for everybody who had made the day a merry and profitable one, the missioner closed with family prayers. Yesterday there was a big gathering of seamen at th&, Missions to Seamen cricket match on the Manawatu Reserve. A capital cold luncheon was served gipsy fashion Then came the downpour of rain, but the party looked on the bright side of things, for Messrs. Haybittle and Bristow had placed Thomas's Hall at the disposal of the Mission, and here until 11.30 a delightful time was passed. Novel games, singing, etc., were enjoyed, -n- band of willing helpers served a capital tea provided by kind donors of Wellington. Then followed an excellent concert managed by Captain Barclay, and contributed to by Mrs. Barclay and Miss Barber, Captain Barclay, and Messrs. M'Glashan and Barclay (2). Many songs were added by the men, and " chanties " were also sung. Mr. Moore was in the chair. The Rev. J. D. Russell, lion, sec' of the Wellington Branch, said all were thankful for the Missions- to Seamen work, which had brought such life and hope into Wellington. The men gave stirring applause as Mr. Russell conclud.ed a manly speech. After this a sailor proposed a vote of thanks, and said, " I havn't had a Christmas at home since 1875. I never spent such a glorious time in my life. We do thank all who hfxve provided such happiness for us." Captain Barclay responded, and said they were more than rewarded, and that it gave them much pleasure to help so good a cause. Light refreshments were served during the evening.