BRITISH SAILORS' SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 14, 18 January 1944, Page 6

BRITISH SAILORS' SOCIETY

Overseas sailors of the Mercantile Marine and Royal Navy were well catered for during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

On Christmas Day, the usual tea was held, at which oyer 70 participated. An excellent musical programme was contributed by musical friends, and a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 10.30 p.m. On Sunday, December 27, 78 sailors and friends partook of tea and supper. During the evening a gospel address was given, and hymns and Christmas carols were sung by those present.

New Year's Day was spent at Paraparaumu, some 54 sailors and friends making the trip by train. Games and sports were indulged in, some very fine performances in running being recorded. The tug-of-war resulted in a win for the Royal Navy. On the return to town a sit-down tea was ready, after which games and musical items were enjoyed.

On Sunday, January 2, tea was supplied to some 50 sailors and friends, after which a gospel address was given by Mr. Donaldson (recently arrived from Malay States), and a sacred concert concluded the evening.

A harbour trip was made on January 3 to Day's Bay, where bathing and sports afforded great ' enjoyment for the sailors.

The next weekend was an exceptionally busy one, due to the presence of many extra members of the Mercantile Marine in port. On the Saturday, 90 men were taken for a motor ride to Maidstqne Park, returning via Pahautanui. Musical items and games concluded a very enjoyable day.

On Monday and Tuesday, January 10 and 11, 120 Indian seamen were taken out. And, oh. what a time they spent in Soccer, which at their hands took on a number of new features, and caused much amusement.

The thanks of the society are tendered to all who contributed in any way. especially to the ladies, and to the Patriotic Society, which provided some of the buses.