SAILORS' FRIEND SOCIETY

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9090, 8 July 1915, Page 2

SAILORS' FRIEND SOCIETY

TROUBLE ABOUT FURNITURE. At‘a meeting of the supporters and workers held in the Institute last night great surprise, sorrow, and indignation were expressed at the extraordinary action of the late committee of the Missions to Seamen, who suggested by letter that they were about to remove the furniture, pictures, and all things donated by many warm supporters (several of whom are now deceased) of work amongst the sailors'. The hope was expressed that many past donors would come forward and state their wishes, as others have done, that articles given by them for the use of sailors should remain in the building. When the matter was first mooted by the late Missions to Seamen Committee £350 Was asked for the furniture. This was refused by the committee of the Sailors’ Friend Society; later on smaller, sums were suggested, and finally £l6O was offered and accepted by the Missions' to Seamen Committee for the furniture now in the building. But strange to relate this sum was refused at a later date, and a. threat, was held opt by that commitee that the furniture would" be removed by them, and that the Sailors’ Friend Society would not have an opportunity of purchase at all. As the 14th ihst. is the date given on which they can remove any furniture which they think they are legally entitled to, it was felt by those present at the meeting that such an action would place the society in a most invidious position; or on a par -with that held by Mr Moore when he landed 16 years ago without a stick' of furniture for mission work in the old room on the wharf, where he secured some of these gifts, and continued to secure sufficient to carry on the increased work in the present building. As the gifts were donated for the seamen, and are being used for that purpose, it is felt that the Missions to Seamen Committee are taking too drastic steps in removing the things at a time when good work is being done among those for whom Mrs Williams, tho aged donor, erected the building. Much indignation was expressed during tho meeting at the vexation Mrs Williams is being put to in the matter. The prevailing opinion in the meeting was that, judging by the Wellingtonians’ past confidence and assistance, they .would not allow Mr Moore, his workers and sailors, to suffer from the lack of furniture.