BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20704, 30 April 1929, Page 7

BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Otago branch of the British and Foreign Sailors’ Society was held in the Sailors’ Rest last night. The president (Air 11. K. Wilkinson) occupied the chair. The annual report stated that those who visited and entertained at the Rest reported that during the past year scores of sailors had made the Rest their home while in port. At times the invitations had not been responded to by (be numbers which were desired, but the society could look to many occasions when the hail had been well filled. The missioners had continued in their positions, always having the welfare of the seamen at heart, and had given much of their valuable lime and thought in seeking to help the men in every way. Furthermore, the society was very much indebted to the ladies who unceasingly had given their time and service in providing for the needs of the seamen. Air D. L. Walker, missioncr at the Port Chalmers Rest, reported that during the past year 68 steamers had called at Port Chalmers, and between 1950 and 2000 men had taken advantage of the welcome extended to them. Owing to the fact that many steamers were being converted from coal burners into oil burners, fewer men were employed. The society, therefore, could not expect as many men from the steamers as formerly. The men appreciated the comfort and the welcome given to them. Mr W. Buchan, the Dunedin missioncr, reported that over 80 overseas vessels had called at the port, all of which had been visited. The response to the society’s invitations had usually been gratifying. The Rest had supplied a great need. He appealed to the people of Dunedin to assist iu the work that jyas being done. In mfiving the adoption of the annual report, the chairman stated that the work of the society was of great value. It filled a great need, and did so in an unostentatious and economical way. The amount of funds subscribed was exceeding email. The needs of the society were being supplied, however, the. work was being-continued, and its value did not decrease. He had a great regard for those who were actively engaged in the work of the Rest. Air A. W. Alitchell seconded the motion, which was carried. Air _C, E, Beckingsalc presented the financial statement, which showed a debit in the general account of £2l 12s lOd, a credit of £2O Is 8d in the Port Chalmers Rest account, a credit of £7 le in the Dunedin renovation account, a credit of £lB 19s 9d in the Port Chalmers renovation account, a debit of 2s Id in the Distressed Sailors’ Relief Fund, and a credit of £203 5s in the Sailors' Home account. Air Beckingsalc stated that it was hoped some time in the future to build a new rest, and the fund for that purpose amounted to over £llOO. The 'adoption of the statement was moved by the Rev. Air Pybns, who stated that he had frequently visited the Rest at Port Chalmers. ' He paid a tribute to the work of Air and Mrs D. L.-Walker, and stated that the result of a great deal of their labours was never seen. ■ The motion was carried after it had been seconded by Air F. Variey, who congratulated the society, on the work >L was doing. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Air A. W. Alitchell; vice-presidents, the Rev. W. H. Hocking and Air H. K. Wilkinson; secret-ary, Air Leslie J. Dunbar; treasurer, Air -C. : E. Beckingsalc; executive—-Alessrs H, C. Campbell, .William Buchan, George Backley, L; A. Brunton, Adam Paterson, George Swain, Chandler. D. L. K. Walker. John Wilkinson, James Dunbar, Meedames Anderson and Inglis, Misses Jessie Hall, Inglis, Johnstone, and Paton; missioners. Alessrs W, Buchan (Dunedin) and D. L. K. Walker (Port Chalmers). It was decided to place oir’record the society’s appreciation of the work of the missioners. During the evening Mrs . Sutherland, Mrs Paterson, and Air L. J. Dunbar contributed'songs. •• Members referred to the fact that publie subscription was-the society’s only source of revenue, and made an appeal for funds fpr the carrying on of the work.