SEAMEN'S MISSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22403, 27 April 1936, Page 15

SEAMEN'S MISSION

OVERSEAS TRIBUTES HONOUR TO CHAPLAIN Numerous tributes to th© work being carried out by the Auckland Seamen's Mission were paid at the annual meeting held at the institute. Many of the testimonials to the organisation consisted of extracts from letters received from seamen of all ranks and their relatives in countries overseas. Archbishop Averill presided over an attendance of fully 100. Among the visitors was Archdeacon Evans, of New Plymouth, who congratulated tlio chaplain, the Rev. H. K. Vickerv, and his associates on their, work. The annual report and. balance-sheet, which have previously been published, were adopted. Sir George Richardson, who spoke on behalf of the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Ernest Davis, said he could testify to the excellent work which was possible under such an auxiliary organisation as the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild. He was much impressed when he noted from the report that over 2000 more seamen and lads had made use of the mission in the past year than in any previous year. He was satisfied that the people of Auckland would continue to support such a worthy institution when tlicy realised that over 10,000 seamen had received social comfort and care through the mission last year. It was pleasing to note that the chaplain, Mr. Vickery, had been honoured by the French Government bv his appointment as a Knight of the Legion of Honour. Archbishop Averill paid a tribute to the excellent work of the ladies associated in the conduct of the mission "They are a noble band of women and had it not been for their efforts I am satisfied we should not to-day enjoy the benefits of such a fine building as an institute," he added. Acknowledgment of the splendid support he received from the ladies' unit was expressed by Mr. Vickery. A number of musical items were rendered by Messrs. A. Ripley, F. Campbell, A. McElwain and E.. Thomas. M iss D. Dowsett played the accompaniments. The following office-bearers were reelected: —Patron, the Governor-Gen-eral, Viscount Galway; president. Archbishop Averill; vice-presidents, Commodore the Hon. E. R. Drummond, Captain T. V. Hill, Captain A. H. Davey; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. Skegg; honorary solicitor, Mr. J. W. Manning; honorary auditor, Mr. H. Murray Lewis; chaplain, the Rev. H. K. Vickery; board of management, ex-officio, the Mayor of Auckland and chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Commander F. A. Hull, R.N. - , Messrß. F. H. Gifi'ord, W. M. Jackson, J. W. Manning, Sinclair Reid, W. Skegg, P. S. Wallis, E. W. J. Bowden, Captain H. 11. Sergeant, Mrs. Preston Chambers, Mrs. E. H. B. Milsom, and Mrs. H. K. Vickery.