MISSIONS TO SEAMEN.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5030, 30 July 1903, Page 5

MISSIONS TO SEAMEN.

MUNIFICENT DONATION BY V WELLINGTON LADY. GIFT OF SEVEN THOUSAND POUNDS. "FOR SAILORS OF ALL NATIONS.’* Mrs W. R, Williams, of Wellington, has presented .£7OOO to the Missions to Seamen, to provide for tho erection of a Sailors’ Institute as a memorial to her late husband. Captain Williams, and for the benefit of seamen of all nations and creeds visiting this port. This magnificent donation is given absolutely without restriction, beyond that contained in the understanding just mentioned. It forms the finest instance of philanthropic spirit that has been manifested by any citizen of Wellington, or perhaps in the whole colony. The sum is also the largest that has ever been donated to the Missions to Seamen, aud it has received many munificent grants—notably one made by Lord Brassey (after reading a report by Mr James Moore, now in Wellington, on the life of sailors in. London) to provide a Sailors’ Home in memory of his first wife. Mrs Williams has set a noble example to people possessed of wealth in thus providing tho means for brightening aud humanising the lives of the thousands of sea-faring men who visit Wellington every year. Strangers in a strange laud these men—too often waifs aud strays of tho ocean—see no means of spending their leisure in a rational way, and it is only through some organised body in the community that an effort can be made to bring them, into touch with their fcllowruen ashore.

This effort the Missions to Seamen makes, and has made with pronounced success in Wellington during the last few years. But the effort has been sadly hampered by lack of permanent premises. Five years ago Mr James Mooro arrived in Wellington, and in those live years he has been literally "driven from pillar to post." He has conducted operations in twentyvone different places. From one shed on the wharf which the Missions was permitted to occupy at times he had to shift in and out of on seventeen occasions. This - inconvenience, at which even Mr Moore's courageous spirit must frequently have been dismayed, sadly hampered the work of the missioner. These troubles are now practically at an end, for, thanks to Mrs Williams's splendid donation, the Mission will oro long carry on its operations iu the finest Sa’lors' Institute south of the line. The building, of which sketch plans have already been made, will stand on land opposite the Supreme Court buildings, facing Stout and Whitmore streets. Tho plans show a fine commanding elevation and the interior null be constructed on tho mos*t modern principle?. * Tho Art Gallery building was crowded to tho doors last evening by seamen and their friends when a concert was given under the direction of Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. Amongst those who occupied seats on tho platform were tho non Mr Malmta, M.L.C., Mr W, T. Jennings, G. Laurenson, M.H.R., and Mr R. A. Loughnan. In the course of the evening Mr Moore (the missioner) publicly announced the bestowal of the gift. Ho related the visissitudos the Mission had passed through; how they had first been granted the use of one room by tho Harbour Board (on. Sunday’s pnly), and how latterly they had been forced to shift from one place to another. Four years ago, Mr Moore said, a lady had asked him to will on hor, and after he had explained the work they were endeavouring to carry out at the Mission she had given him a little bint that something might be done. That lady was Mrs Williams, widow of the late Captain Williams, who during his life had been so intimately connected with shipping, and who bad taken such an active part in framing the progress of Wellington. Amidst deafening applause • and cheer after cheer Mr Mooro detailed tho nature of the gift. He asked all the men present who prayed—and he knew seamen did pray—to, if ho might put it plainly, "put in a word" for Mrs Williams that night. (Sir Joseph, "Hear! Hear!" and cheers). He could only say "May God efirich the woman whose gift would bless so many." (Renewed applause). In days to come he was sure tho voice of many a sailor and many a sailor's mother and friend would be raised up in thanksgiving to their noble benefactor. Sir Joseph Ward, in tho course of a speech, eulogising tho spirit which had actuated the donor of the gift, said he had listened to the announcement with feelings of the greatest possible pleasure. Mrs Williams had shown the highest instincts and greatest attributes in acting as she had done. If people, he continued, who wore blessed with large shares of this world's riches could only understand the immense amount of good they could do for their follow men and the millions who wore to follow, such an act as this would kindle a spirit of emulation that would result iu untold good. The name of Mrs Williams would be held up as an example In the future—she had endeared her own and the name of every woman in this country to all. (Loud and prolonged applause), Tho Mission was endeavouring to carry out a great and noble work, and iu this connection the services rendered by Mr Moore would ever have to be taken into account. When the public read tho news in the "Times" in the morning. Sir Joseph went on to say, tboy would praise the spirit and tho lady who had seen fit to do such a self-sacrificing, generous and Christian-liko filing. Ho concluded by calling for three cheers for Mrs Williams. Every person in the room stood up and cheered to the echo. Subsequently cheers were given for Mr Moore and Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. A touching incident was witnessed before the meeting closed. Mr Mooro asked if any sailor present would like to say anything, in regard to the gift, on behalf of his comrades. In reply a seaman rose up in the body of the hall. All eyes fastened on him to listen to his speech. When all was silence ho exclaimed, "God bless her."