WEST HAM MISSION

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14616, 17 March 1921, Page 5

WEST HAM MISSION

APPEAL IN HAMILTON. TWO INTERESTING VISITORS. Madame Strathearn, a noted Englsh singer, and Sister Kathleen are on an Australasian tour, endeavouring to arouse interest in the West Ham (London) Mission. Sister Kathleen ■has been labouring among the people of West Ham for some years, while Madame Strathearn was recently so Impressed with the work being done and the need for the extension of the efforts of the organisation, that she cancelled six months of her professional engagements in order to tour on behalf of the mission funds. ladies are now in Hamilton, and last night appeared at St. Paul's (Methodist) Church, before a very large audience. Madame Strathearn proved to be an unusually gifted finger, with a beautiful voice and j-reat powers of interpretation, and her Hinging of several numbers, notably "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," was much enjoyed. Madame also spoke in an interesting fashion of her work during the war period, when she sang to the "boi's" behind the lines. Sister Kathleen told of the work of the West Ham Mission. The district was one of the most closely populated and poverty-stricken in London, and comprised about a quarter of a million of people, mostly dock workers and their wives and children. The conditions in this area, owing to poverty, were terrible. The Mission was endeavouring to help the people, especially the younger ones, who were trying to live good lives in spite of the many temptations created by their environment, but the work was hampered by lack of funds. Sister Kathleen closed with an urgent appeal for assistance. The need was great, and the work of the Mission worthy of support. A collection was taken up on behalf of the Mission funds. To-night Madame Strathearn will ging in the Toorak Chambers, and all who enjoy a good entertainment should make a point of being present. They will at the same time be helping a good cause.