BRITISH SAILORS’ SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 21995, 3 April 1935, Page 16

BRITISH SAILORS’ SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING The eighteenth annual meeting of the British Sailors’ Society was held in the Dunedin Sailors’ Rest last night. A good attendance of members was presided over by the Rev. J. M. Simpson. ANNUAL REPORTS. ~ Reviewing the activities of the Sailors’ Rest in Dunedin and Port Chalmers, ’ the executive expressed its smeer thankes to all who had assisted in making the past year’s work worth while. The support given by the local workers had been very gratifying indeed, and without this the society would not be able to report the measure of success obtained. The restriction of numbers of ships in this part of the world had had a direct bearing on the attendances of the seamen’s missions. Although these had decreased, the committee felt that the need for this service had not disappeared. It would be regrettable for the society to case to function because those whom it served wore not as numerous as they were years ago, but felt justified in continuing to provide a home away from home for the men visiting these shores. The Rev. J. M. Simpson, who had occupied the president’s chair for the past two years, was relinquishing his office, prior to leaving for Great Britain. In accepting his resignation with regret the executive conveyed to Mr Simpson its appreciation of his whole-hearted support, his timely advice, and his helpful suggestions. The annual report of the Port Chalmers Sailors’ Rest stated that fifty overseas vessels had berthed in that port during the past year, and with few exceptions men from cacli of these ships had visited the rest, expressions of appreciation having been received for the hospitality and help extended. The outstanding event of the year was ’the celebration of the diamond jubilee of the Port Chalmers Sailors’ Rest, which was held on October 27.

The report of the Dunedin Sailors’ Rest stated that over 2,000 men had attended and made use of the rest during the year. This number was very satisfactory, considering the depressed state of shipping at the present time. The good work done reflected credit on the lady workers especially. From April 1. 1934, to March, 1935. the rest had entertained men from fifty-four overseas vessels, as well as representatives from local and intercolonial boats. The past year had been very satisfactory as far as the response from the men was concerned. Changed conditions and the depression in England had compelled a large proportion of the young men to take to the seafaring life, and, though, the numbers were not so large as in the old coal-burning days, the men were of a more intelligent type, and the possibilities of the work were greater. The society’s income from donations showed an increase, as compared with the previous year, of £25 in the general account and £9 in the Port Chnlfncrs account, and the year closed with a credit balance in the general account of £9 3s Id.

The adoption of the anual renonrt was moved by the Rev. T. R. Page, who said that, although it had been mentioned that the numbers of men coming to this port were decreasing, and some thought of the days when large numbers of seafaring men came to these shores, it was better that they should be concerned with the present rather than the past. So long as ships came into this port and men came to the rests, so should they do all they could for their physical and spiritual welfare. More young workers were coming forward to cary on the torch handed to them by their elders, and ho felt that this was an excellent augury for the continued success of the society. The world had tremendous social difficulties which the greatest brains were endeavouring to solve, but in reality the solution of those difficulties was to be found in the hearts of men. The society had been exceedingly well favoured in the past in the men and women who had served and guided it, and if the organisation continued to have such stalwart workers in the future then it would prosper. The motion was seconded by Mr John Wilkinson and carried. The treasurer (Mr C. E. Beckingsale) presented the annual financial statement. The adoption of this was moved by Dr Falconer who congratulated the treasurer and the committee on tho success of the year’s activities. He mentioned that next year Miss Weston’s Royal Sailors’ Rest Society of England would hold its diamond jubilee celebrations. It was interesting to note that the _ Sailors’ Rest which had been founded in 1872 at Port Chalmers by his father, Mr Alexander Falconer, was probably the first of its kind in the British Empire, and that Miss Weston had communicated with his father asking for particulars regarding the organisation ho had founded. The motion was seconded by Mr H. K. Wilkinson and carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. , The election of office-bearers resulted: —President, the Rev. Thomas Miller; vice-presidents, the Rev. J. Gilman Dunn and Mr J. Thomson ; hon. secretary. Mr Leslie J. Dunbar; bon. treasurer. Mr E. S. Beckingsale; hon. auditor, Mr David Leslie; ‘ hon. missioners, Mr W. Buchan (Dunedin), Mrs D. L. K. Walker (Port Chalmers) ; hon. life member.Mr H. K. Wilkinson; committee—Mrs Inglis, Dr A. R. Falconer, Messrs H. C. Campbell, Adam Paterson, T. Jackson, John Wilkinson, A. W. Mitchell, L. A. Brunton, G. Buckley, C. W, Thomson. Votes of thanks to those who had assisted in the conduct of the meeting and expressions of Godspeed and a safe return to the Rev. Mr Simpson concluded f o business of tho evening. , Songs were provided by Mrs G. C, Rcay, Miss Buchan, and Mr Dunbar, the accompaniments being played by Mrs Paterson.