MISSIONS TO SEAMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 137, 11 June 1936, Page 11

MISSIONS TO SEAMEN

With the arrival, of the French cruiser at Wellington last Friday special arrangements were jnade by the* Missions to Seamen Institute, Stout Street, to ensure a warm welcome ta the French sailors. On Saturday afternoon a large party of the visiting men boarded buses -and w6re taken ori ■ a sightseeing tour. After the drive the men returned to the institute for - ap. excellent tea. In the evening a dance was held for the cruiser and for the other ships in port, and a very large crowd was present. Despite the fact that a number of the French visitors spoke English a little, great fun resulted from trying to carry on a real conversation. the average girl's smattering ol French only getting her into deeper water. During the evening a little girl, Patrene Full, delighted those present with her tnp and operatic dancing. Mrs. Cox. Miss Curtis, and Mrs. Davidson kindly acted as chaperons. Supper was served by the ladies, at the canteen the orange drink s.Vl.diA good business. ,■ . On Monday evening. a whist driv* was held at the institute, Mr. Allison acting as master of ceremonies an 4 Mrs. Morton as chaperon. A large number attended the drive and play for the prizes was "very keen. Willing hands at the close of the whist drive assisted in toastmaking, and piles of hot buttered toast were quickly posed of. On Tuesday evening ~an informal dance was held, which was vejry well attended, the non-dancers indulging in ping-pong, billiards, and . whist. At supper-time a large numbered gathered round the fires to partake of the delicious supper provided by the ladies.