BOOK AND COIN AFTERNOON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17905, 22 July 1926, Page 12

BOOK AND COIN AFTERNOON.

An enjoyable and profitable afternoon was spent at Jellicoe Hall yesterday when the combined guilds of the British Sailors' Society held a ‘'coin and book" afternoon. The afternoon tea tables set about the room were decorated with crystal vases of golden chrysanthemums. Pot plants, palms, and foliage decorated the stage and green potted shrubs were placed at intervals about the room. The Christchurch, I-yttelLoii, Sumner and Opawa branches were well represented, and an interesting social afternoon was enjoyed. Inside the main door was a large table on which the gifts of books and money were placed. Mrs M. T. J. Thacker, president of the Christchurch Ladies’ Guild, introduced Mr J. T. Norton, chairman of the board, who presided over the gathering. Mr Norton expressed pleasure at seeing so many present. He stated that it was only by the combined efforts of the guilds that the work of the Seamen’s Institute could succeed. He briefly outlined the work done for the sailors visiting the port, and the many calls the institute had to meet. He congratulated the ladies on their excellent work throughout, and thanked them for organising the afternoon which had produced many books, and financial help. Mr Norton referred to the fine work done by the Mercantile Marine during the war. and he expressed the hope that the public would always help such a good cause.

The Rev J. F. Coursey also spoke on the work of the Seamen’s Institute and the good that could be done by combined effort. He quoted from a report of a meeting held in London at which Lord Jellicoe, who presided, said that the gallant work of both officers and men of the Mercantile Marine was to be remembered by all, and that every citizen owed a tremendous amount to our sailors. Citizens were apt to forget this immense debt of gratitude. Mr Coursey said that money was needed to repair the institute, and the upkeep, and necessities for men in bad circumstances cost a great deal. He considered that miners and sailors had the most dangerous tasks, and although many people were not in sympathy with the work on account of strikes, he pointed out that the need of forbearance was necessary, as all were liable to make mistakes. He thanked the donors for their gifts, and congratulated the guilds on their combined efforts, which were so successful. He also congratulated the board in charge of the Seamen’s Institute for having the services of Mr and Mrs Minty, who were in every way suitable to work. An excellent musical programme was greatly appreciated by the many present. Those who contributed items were —Mrs J. Russell’s Glee Club; Miss Kunice Tait, pianoforte solo; Mrs H. L. Bowker, Mrs Woolf. Mrs Louis Campbell and Miss Kimbell. songs.