AMONG SAILORS AND SOLDIERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 30 November 1940, Page 5

AMONG SAILORS AND SOLDIERS

WORK OF CHAPLAINS A clergyman working as Chaplain with the R.N.Z. Navy reports that his work is greatly facilitated by the : active help and co-operation of his | commander and other officers, such cooperation making the greatest difference to his work. The officers and the whole ship’s company have been easy of approach, and difficulties have been other than those concerning the human aspect. For instance, no provision can be made for large gatherings. Thus services for the ship’s company have to be held on the quarter-deck, in the open air, and it is only about one Sunday in eight that the weather is favourable. Sometimes on Sunday the sea is so rough that no service of any kind ; is possible, but generally they manage to work in a voluntary service somewhere. Such services are surprisingly well attended, the men entering into the worship wholeheartedly; they are j usually- held in the men’s recreation space which is generally well filled, and sometimes packed out. A good part of his time, he reports is J given to talking with individuals, as | members of the ship’s company come to him for advice on all manner of subjects, from making a will to knowing how to secure a Government house; more than might be expected bring along religious problems. As he has free run of the ship, he is { able to get into touch with men at their work and chance conversations under such conditions often lead to longer talks. He has not yet met one member of the ship’s company who has been hostile to the chaplain’s approach. The chaplain is officially the friend and adviser of all on board and all ranks regard him as such. IN THE CAMPS Work amongst the troops in military camps continues, new huts having been completed this month at the Narrow Neck Training School, Auckland, and at Waiouru Territorial Camp. Referring to Waiouru the Chaplain reports that the hut was finished enough for occupation by the 2nd Field Regiment, N.Z.A., the night they arrived. The troops crowded it out. The Church of England Military Affairs Committee reports that this social work and that described in previously published reports is made possible by funds allocated to the Church by the National Patriotic Fund Board. All Church people are asked to con- ; tribute liberally to the present appeal i by the Board so that Church work may . continue in all theatres of war in ; which our troops are engaged.