GATHERING AT THE SAILORS' BEST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2258, 10 June 1897, Page 55

GATHERING AT THE SAILORS' BEST.

On Friday evening last a meeting of a rather unique character was was held at the Sailors' Rest. Out of gratitude to the friends of the work carried on at the rest the seamen at present in harbour, of their own free will, sent a circular signed by representatives of the various vessels inviting their shore friends to tea. The building, which had been nicely decorated by the seamen, was crowded to the doors. A most sumptuous spread, bordering on the luxurious, lay on the tables, the sailors themselves waiting on their guests. After tea, Mr A. R. Falconer (sailors' missionary), by the request of the seamen, presided. Captain Thomson opsned the meeting by prayer, and the 53rd chapter of Isaiah v?as read. Kiudly, grateful words spoken by Captains M'Callum (harbourmaster), William Thomson (Lloyd's surveyor), Strong (marine superintendent Union Steam Ship Company), Messrs A. C. Begg, Andrew Thomson, Robert Chisholm, A. H. Heycock, Todd, and Charles Falconer. Miss Dunlop sang the hymn " Rock of Aces." Meedames Don and Kirkland gave

words of encouragement to the seamen, and onJ behalf of the latter the chief officer of th« Norwegian barque ,Njaal, and seamen DonaldV" of the Dundale, and Sngden, of the Oayx, spok«j of the grateful feelings of the men toward^ those who sought their temporal and spiritual comforts whilst in port. It was a pleasure to see several of the crew of the wrecked ship Zuleika once again at the rest, and also tha crew of the German barque Victoria, whioh had just come up to tho wharf after a long and trying yoyage. The seamen in port have alto presented the rest with a handsome clock. Altogether the meeting passed off very successfully, and gave considerable pleasure to all friends of the seamen present