A GREAT WORK

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 46, 31 August 1928, Page 16

A GREAT WORK

SAILORS' .FRIEND SOCIETY ' ANNIVERSARY MEETING The anniversary .meeting' of -the Sailors' Friend Society was held last night, Sir. Justice MacGregor presiding aver a good attendance of -'sailors and friends. . The meeting was opened with a hymn andprayer by the missioner (Sir. J. Moore). The balance-sheet showed the financial affairs of the society to be in a healthy position. Mr. Justice MacGregor said that he was ■peaking in place of Sir Robert Stout, who, was unfortunately confined to his • bed through illness. The meeting was called, he said, to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Sailors' Friend Society, ■which ' was 'formed .to provide in Wellington .. a . home away from home for sailors visiting the port. It was only fitting that the seamen should have such a meeting place in the chief centre of New Zealand, an island nation which could not long exist if it were not for the ships which came from overseas. It was a, duty, therefore, to help'the work that was being carried-.on by. the society. The missioner outlined the" work of 'the society and said that they should feel grateful for the progress that had • been made. Contributions received had enabled the mission to carry on its work, and keep the building in. repair,. and he asked for additional subscribers to enable a further advance to bo1 made. . As long as ships sailed the seas it was their intention to do' what they could to improve the sailor's life. Colonel O. I<\ C. Campbell, C.M.G., proposed a resolution that the meeting should place on record the great work of the founder of the society, Mrs.,A. Williams. The conditions under whjeh sailors -lived both at sea and oil shore-were'gieatly altered from what they were in the days 01 the "wind-jammer," and Mis. Williams had made' possible a great improvement in the shore life of sailors in Wellington. The resolution, which was supported by the Rev. W. G. Carpenter, was cariied ■with acclamation. Mr. 11. 13. Kicholls proposed a resolution expressing appreciation of the invaluable work done by the missioner and his wife, and resolving to do all possible to help the work of the society in the future. Mr. Moore, ably assisted by 'Mrs. Moore, was whole-heartedly carrying on a great .work "for which he- was not compensated to an extent in any way in keeping with Ilia abilities. The. Rev-. J. Dennis seconded the resolution, which- was. carried unanimously. ■ ; > Sir John Luke moved a vote of thanks to all who had assisted the society in its work, and recommended the society to the helpful and prayerful consideration of the people. Mr. J. W. Can- endorsed Sir John's remarks, and the resolution was carried. , A vote of thanks to the chair brought the evening to a close. Vocal, elocutionary, and instrumental items wcie given by Mrs. Wilfred, Andrews, Mr. IT. E. Nicholk, and Mr. Allan Carr. Mrs. Good mid Mr. J. W. Can- acted as accompanists.