Bluff Sailors' Rest.

Southland Times, Issue 12012, 17 December 1907, Page 2

Bluff Sailors' Rest.

AX APPEAL. To the Editor. Sir. —X’ow that the incident of the 'oss of the Dundonald is at rest in the minds of the people and the men have been well provided for and have sought “fresh fields," permit me to draw the attention of the public through your columns to an institution which has again been most useful in connection with the survivors—theBluff Sailors’ Rest—which proved to be a homo to them during their stayami where they received their first succour on reaching the mainland.

I think that this is an opportune time to drive home the fact that when cases like tlie one just past occur—the presence of shipwrecked sailors in our midst—the public fairly fall over one another in their haste to minister to their wants and to contribute of their means, but the one institution which caters for Jack ashore year in ami year out, besides continually relieving cases of distress,, is by no means adequately supported.

It will perhaps surprise some of your readers to know that the Bluff Sailors' Rest is supported entirely by voluntary .subscriptions and its reliable income is very little over £2O per annum. The Harbour Board give £lO 10s annually, the Bluff Regatta Committee donated £5 lust year, and there are a very few friends who annually subscribe a guinea c-ac-li. The S.F.M. and P.E. Co. supplies electric light free of charge, and the Borougii Council kindly remits the rates every year. The caretaker receives nothing for his services but house room, light, and firing, and the constant entertainment which he extends to all sailors who visit the Rest and it is never empty conies out of liis own means, the Committee never having been in the position to recoup him for his outlay. Of his work and that of his wife among sailors visiting the port there is ample testimony in shoals of* letters of thanks, but suffice it to say that what Mr Torrance lias been among the prisoners and patients in Dunedin, Mr Hutton lias been among the seafaring men of' this port for many years. About a year ago the Committee were forced to enlarge the living accommodation at the Rest at a c-o.st of £IOO, to which a number of friends generously contributed about £65, leaving a balance of about £35 outstanding. What I wisli to suggest to you is that as the survivors of the Dundonald have all been well provided for. Hie present attitude of generosity towards sailors on the part of the public should be directed to the Bluff Sailors’ Rest, and if there is any surplus of the funds raised available it might be utilised to pay off the small debt on the building and put the Committee in a position to have a little money to assist and entertain sailors when occasion arises. In conclusion let me also say that contributions will he most thankfully received, and what would be still more valuable, the promise of annual subscriptions, would be greatly appreciated by the Committee.

Thanking you for your courtesy in publishing this appeal. I am, etc,, SAMUEL XICHOL, Chairman Blun Sailors' Rest. Bluff Harbour, Dec. 14, 11(07.