DUNEDIN SAILORS' REST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15937, 3 December 1913, Page 5

DUNEDIN SAILORS' REST.

ANNUAL REPORT.

A report in connection with the year's work at the Sailors' Rest was presented by the superintendent at the annual meeting of fclio Women's Christian Temperanco Union yesterday and adopted. Following are its principal features:—

Nearly 28 years ago the Dunedin Sailors' Best waa opened ior tho service of God, that He might use it for tho spiritual and temporal blessing of seamen. Many thousands have come in and out of its doors during that period The need of God's Wora has been 6cattcred over many thousand hearts, and in many . a life it has sprung up, bearing moGt blessed fruit. During the year Mr Falconer, who had for all these years acted as missioner to tho seamen, found it necessary through failing health to relinquish tho work. The management, however, has been successful in securing tho services of Mr R Robertson, of Glasgow. It is believed by those who knew him best that this• gentleman is well, qualified by his wide experience of life and christian work to win the respect and confidence of all concerned. It is tho intention of the new missioner-wis funds will allow—and in order to reaoh the (social side of tho men—to provide teas for the crews of all deep water vessels visiting the harbour. A debt of gratitude is due to the workers for their'' unscliish ajid wholly voluntarylabours. The rest his been much favoured with friends coming as occasion required to speak various languages (for seamen of "all nationalities are constantly in port), Italian, French, Scandinavian, German, Chinese, Malays, coolies, etc. In the autumn the officers and men of a large French boat had quite a happy time with tho TOrkera at the rest A good tea was provided, to which all sat. down with much, enjoyment A lady friend who tpeaks tho . language fluently conversed and spoke with the menf some favourite hymns were sung in French, and a -very happy time was spent. Tho men on tho Northern were entertained by tie workers at tea last week There were testimonies and reminiscences, and a general l chat. The men had their favourite hymns sung. So much did this little "bit of home" mean that several letters of appreciation and thanks have been received by the workers from tho men. Thanks are expressed for the receipt of newspapers, books, magazines, illustrated papers, writing materials, flowers, eto., and to those whoso yearly subscriptions make it possible for tho work to bo carried on. A feature of the work is tho visits every Sunday morning of a dozen young men, who go down and hold a service on board ship with the men. The evening meetings have not of kle been quite so well attended. _ Thero are many contributory causes to .this state of things,but tho workers never give up hope. Whether tho audience bo largo or small these faithful spuk hold on to Him who has said "Be of good cheer. . . . Certainly I will bo with thee."

— Sinco tho> enforcement of the new divorce law, Reno, Nevada, which is notorious all over North America as the "divorce colony," has lost much of its former popularity. The two main railways serving the town have lost 40 per cent, of their passenger traffio since tho law was put in action, formerly the laws of Nevada enabled a divorce to bo obtained after 90 days' residence in the State, but now 'a year's domicile is essential To prevent tho toss of overshoes a Pennsylvania woman has patented miniature 6uspendeia, wluoh fasten the shoes to- an elastio band to be worn around the ankle.

An elcctrio fktiron invented by a Colorado man J3 propelled by a motoislrivea rollor, an operator having only to grade it and control the current by a ewitoh in the fcandle. TEREIBLE HEADACHES. "I am a bootmaker," writes Mr Miller, Great King street, North Dnnecba, N.Z., "and for many years suffered from terrible hea<iaciies and irregularity of fis bowels duo to my ledeatary life. After taking ono box of Chamberlain's Tablets I was greatly benefited, aod {key boob effected my cure. Upon the slightest sytnp, toms of constipation I take two o; M tableta, whioh always estine light, 3 *- $£}