DUNEDIN SEAMEN'S MISSION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13665, 7 August 1906, Page 2

DUNEDIN SEAMEN'S MISSION.

MR FALCONER'S WORK.

As already noted, Mr Frank T. Bullen, Iho sea-iiovclisl. has volunteered to return <o Dunedin within tho next few days, to pive a lecturc for, a special purpose. Mr Falconer, of the Sailors' Rest, has many calls upon liini. and practically no fund on which he can draw. Quito frequently cases of genuine distress among unemployed seamen are pressed home 011 Mr Falcotior's attention; and quite frequently Mr Falconer responds to such appeals, often enough at his own cost. Mr Bullen knows all this, and ho thinks, quite reasonably, that Mr Falconer should not suffer personal losses or expenses in this way. Mr Bullen. therefore, offers to lecture, 011 the understanding that the proceeds of the lecture shall form the nucleus of a fund to he distributed at Mi Falconer's discretion among needy seamen. At the Sailors' Rest last night, a meeting of friends interested was hold with tho object of arranging for Mr Bullen's lecture and discussing various matters in connection with the proposed fund. Mr George R. TTercus presided, and tersely explained the proposal and the need. 'He did not think that any large fund was needed. The money would bo vested in trustees, and from £100 to £200 should meet tho need for a year or two.

Mr Axelsen testified to the need of such a fund. A fund that Mr Falconer could deal with at once, as occasion demanded, was urgently needed.

The Chairman said that as a first practical step they might oontribute the costs of the lecture, so that tho full takings might go to the fund.

Mr William Brown said that the first thing they should do should bo to thank Mr Bullen very heartily for his generous offer. Mr Bullen was explicit. He would take absolutely nothing. An informal vote of thanks was carried with great heartiness.

Mr John Wilkinson said this fund was for distressed seamen. They must tako that description broadly, It did not mean that only "deserving" cases were to bo. helped. The money was lo be used humanely to help distressed men back lo hope. He felt inclined to use tho fund in a little larger way than any yet indicated. Often Mr Faiconer got up a little cordial tea for distressed men at the shortest notice. Tho fund might be used on occasion to meet such conlingencies. It was to be a fund for the benefit of distressed sailors. He moved that the fund be established.

Mr Andrew Thomson (Port Chalmers) seconded tho motion. He had often been surprised to sec how Mr Falconer did meet the emergency cases with which he hud so frequently to deal.

The motion was agreed to. Messrs George R. Hercus, John Wilkinson. and A. 11. Hoycoek were appointed trustees of the fund.

Somo time was spent in discussing plans for the lecture. The offer of tho Y.M.C.A. to provide ushers and so forth was gratefully accepted. Many volunteers took tickets for distribution and sale.