MISSIONS TO SEAMEN

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1913, Page 3

MISSIONS TO SEAMEN

A PRESENTATION. > At the last weekly concert of the Missions to Seamen, the presentation of ail illuminated address from mercantile marine officers and seamen was made to Mr. W. E. Cocks (the missioner) and to Mrs. Cocks. In asking Mr. Cocks to accept the gift, Mr. M'Gowen^ said that owing to the uneasiness prevailing with regard to Mr. Cocks's position as missioner, the seamen had decided to show their appreciation of the magnificent work that the misnioiier and his wife had done and ore now doing amongst the seafarers in Wellington. The address, which was signed by One J hundred and fifty-three officers and sea* men, was as follows :— « "The Missions to Seamen, Wellington, New Zealand. To Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Cocks,— We, the undersigned officers ahd men of the mercantile marine, desire to express to you our deep sense of gratitude of tho splendid work you have done and are doing amongst us. We feel wo cannot allow the present crisis to pass without expressing our heartfelt admiration of your sterling mialities, and to this end we crave your acceptance of this token of our appreciation and of the esteem in which you are held by us. We need hardly remind you that you have our who*-heafted support in your work. We trust you will be spared to us many years to continue in your good work. With God's blessing and prosperjty in your future lives,— We remain, yours faithfully, (153 Signatures.) Mr. M'Gowen also stated that there was a seamen's petition in circulation, and it had already been signed by over 500 officers and men, and it Wao expected by the time it was closed to be sent to he . .quarters in London it would have over one thousand. Mr. Cocks, on stepping forward to reply, met with an ovation, Ihe audience singing, "For they are jolly good fellows." The recipient, who was greatly moved, said he did not know how to thank the seamen for their magnificent j gift. Words could not express liis true feelings at the moment. He added that he had only been with them for four months, and it was more than he had e\ er dreamt of that their services should be accepted in thnt way. No doubt the circumstances had stimulated the feelings of the men, for there was no doubt seamen Were true lovers of justice. They had left their home and friends in Sydney, and they would no doubt deeply feel it if they had to move on to other parts. However, they would* with God's help, woTk on with renewed vigour in the cause they loved so much.