MISSED THEIR SHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22834, 19 March 1936, Page 6

MISSED THEIR SHIP

FIVE SAILORS IN DISTRESS FITTED OUT BY " SMITH FAMILY " (Peb United Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 18. As an illustration of the varied work the " Smith Family " is called upon to undertake, the secretary explained today how the five sailors who were left behind by the Wanganella last Thursday were assisted by the organisation. The men mistook the sailing time of the vessel and arrived at the waterfront after the ship had started .down the harbour. They tried to secure a speedboat, but could not do so. Technically they were deserters, but they proved their good faith by going straight to the office of the shipping company to explain the position. They had walked into town in their shirtsleeves and wearing denims, and they possessed just 2d and a toothbrush, apart from their meagre clothing. They explained that they had approximately £BO coming to them in pay, but the'shipping company decided that they could not be assisted as a bad precedent might be set. After calling fruitlessly on several charitable organisations they reached the " Smith Family " and explained the position. "They were decent, honestlooking fellows'," the secretary said. "They were not drunk and they were in a 'deplorable condition in respect to clothing and funds. We took a chance on them and had them fitted out. Four of them left for Sydney on the Strathnaver and the fifth is to go on another boat. They all promised to refund what we spent on them as soon as they draw their pay, and I shall be very surprised if they don't."