LYTTELTON SAILORS’ HOME.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7562, 29 May 1885, Page 6

LYTTELTON SAILORS’ HOME.

The following report has been presented to the Lyttelton Harbour Board, by the Chairman of the Sailors’ Home Committee, Mr E. G. Wright In presenting their first annual report (comprising the period from the opening of the Home on Dec. 5, 1883, to Dec. 31,1884, about thirteen months), the Committee regret not being able to report the realisation of the hopes expressed in the interim report of April 25 last, “ that the Home would be self-supporting ; ” still they are not prepared to say that such a desideratum is an impossibility.- The chief cause of this appears to be the great falling off in sailing ships through the introduction of steamers on such a large scale.

Perhaps another drawback is the fact of the additional charge made for board, when not paid in advance. This the sailors look upon in the light of an imposition, as it is only when they happen to be in funds that they can reap the advantages offered by the Home, when anywhere else they can easily get credit when out of funds, till they are in a position to pay. This remark applies to a class who would be desirable inmates of the Home; but in any case the Committee would suggest that the charge should be left to the discretion of the Superintendent—that is, that he should have the power to make 18s per week the maximum amount payable for board either in advance or on credit, the present charge for casuals being strictly adhered to. Fr:m the accounts now handed in by the Committee it will be seen that the total amount received from the opening of the Home is .£691 2s lid, while there are good outstanding debts for board amounting .to -827 3s sd; total, .£7lB 6s 4d. The expenditure during the same period has been JBB9I 9s 9d, showing a loss of (on the thirteen months), .£173 3s sd. The above result may appear to show too large a sacrifice, but the Committee are of opinion that by calling for and accepting tenders for almost every class of article used in the Home they would effect a saving during the current year of an amount equal to from one-third to one-half of the loss incurred. Attached to the accounts is a memorandum from the Superintendent showing the saving likely to be effected on each particular article.

The cash account shows the amounts received for board as previously stated, .£691 2s lid; donations from the public, £2 4s 8d; donations from the Lyttelton Harbour Board, £220; total, £913 7s 7d. Of this amount there has been expended on account of provisions, &c., as per working account, £B4O 8s 7d; leaving a balance on hand of £72 19s. Of this'balance there will be required to meet outstanding accounts for provisions, &c., as per banking account, £sl Is 2d, leaving a net balance in hand to commence the current year of £2l 17s lOd. . '

A memo, attached shows the number of seamen who have been inmates of the Home since the opening—viz., 440 men. Another memo, shows the amount deposited for safe keeping during the above period, from which it appears that an amount approaching one thousand pounds has passed through the Superintendent’s hands for this purpose. Of course the amounts deposited in this way are withdrawn almost immediately,- being only deposited as it were for convenience and safety; indeed, with an institution such as the Government Savings Bank in exisnence, where a fair amount of interest is allowed, and only a moderate notice required for the withdrawal of deposits, it could not be otherwise.

The Committee have much pleasure in endorsing the remarks contained in the interim report previously referred to, as to the preference and encouragement given to the Home by the masters of vessels in their engagement of seamen. The Committee, in conclusion, desire to express their thanks to the donors of subscriptions, books, periodicals, and charts to the Lyttelton Sailors’ Home.