MISSION TO SEAMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 32, 8 February 1944, Page 6

MISSION TO SEAMEN

THE WORK IN WELLINGTON

An interesting outline of the work of the Mission to Seamen was given to Wellington Rotarians at their weekly luncheon today by the Eev. B. J. Williams,' the Mission's chaplain. The Mission, he said, was founded in Bristol in 1835 by the Rev. John Ashley, who was struck by the neglect of the welfare of seamen compared with the concern shown by the people of England for the heathen in foreign lands. He purchased a sailing cutter which soon became the most-looked-for vessel in the Bristol Channel. The Mission was started in Wellington in 1898 by Mr. James Moore, but it was homeless for five years until the present site was purchased in 1903. The war, remarked Mr. Williams, had greatly increased the work of the Mission. Many seamen on foreign vessels had been entirely cut off from their kith and kin and needed the Mission's help. Then, too, the war had deprived seamen of the use of their wireless sets which did so much to relieve the monotony of life, and to take the place of these the Mission had placed on board various vessels no fewer than 14,000 gramophone records. Toys, games, comforts, and warm clothing had been distributed in large quantities, thanks to the fine work done by the Navy League Women's Auxiliary and other bodies. A special problem with which the Mission in Wellington had to deal was that of caring for Lascar seamen, of whom as many as 400 at a time were sometimes in port. Mr. Williams emphasised the essential Christian character of the Mission's work, which was carried on day and night, year in and year out, without regard to creed or colour.