OUR LETTER BOX.
[ In opening our columns to discussion of local questions, it must be understood that, liberty to correspondents, we do not necessarily agree with every, or any, of the views expressed. – EDITOR.]
ROYAL ALFRED AGED MERCHANT SEAMEN’S INSTITUTION.
To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle
Sir, — When one considers the truly great and heroic part British merchant seamen are taking in the War, their claim upon the generous consideration of all is unquestionably established.
That one of these brave fellows should stand in need of a helping hand when forced by age or affliction to abandon the sea would be, one ventures to affirm, an ingratitude to those to whom as a body Britain owes her commercial prosperity, and to whom to a degree most apparent of late she is indebted for the very daily necessaries of life.
At one time it could be truly said that Britain was the only great maritime nation without a provision for its merchant seamen, but with the establishment of the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen’s Institution that stigma was removed, and for half a century this great national charity has provided a home or pension for thousands of aged and destitute seamen of the British mercantile marine.
Like many other old-established institutions, the “Royal Alfred” has felt the pinch of war conditions and the competition of the numerous funds for worthy objects arising out of the present national crisis.
An earnest appeal is therefore made to Britons in all parts of the world to help the Committee of this old Sailors’ Charity to make good the deficiency and to answer the urgent “signals of distress” from hundreds of hard pressed mariners who have given the best years of their lives in the service of their country.
Contributions kindly directed to the Royal Alfred Institution at 58, Fenchurch Street, London, E. C., will be gratefully acknowledged by — faithfully,
J. BAILEY WALKER,
Secretary.
Christmas, 1915
