Historical information
Composed and signed by WHC Darvall on the executive of the Victorian Mission to Seamen also with reference to three other officers: Mr Reid-President, Mr Allard Vice President, Mr Seymour Hon Treasurer. Darvall returned to Melbourne late 1901 early 1902. A former solicitor Darvall and the Mission Committee are concerned it seems at the 'appropriation' by other organisations of donations or funds usually promised to the VMTS. The seamen's home was being built or about to be on the site of the World Trade centre on Siddeley St. as at 2020.
Significance
This letter was sent out at a pivotal period in the Mission story soon after the sudden death of Rev James after 20 constant years service, with the proposed arrival of a Seamen's home on Siddeley St to a location close by to one long sought by the Victorian Mission for their first Central Mission and just a few years before arrival of the London Mission to Seamen representative Rev A Gurney-Goldsmith. The ladies Committee of the Mission and volunteers had prior to appointment of a paid collector had done most of the collecting of donations.
Physical description
A 2 page printed circular or letter addressed to Dear Sir alerting the recipient to the new appointment of a paid Collector, Mr L Dangerfield, visiting supporters authorised to collect donations and subscriptions and not to be confused with other similarly named groups such as the Seamen's home. The pamphlet also includes extracts from a speech by "His Excellency the Governor" reminding the recipient of the authentic goals of the Mission which also, as ever, were essential to business interests in supporting seafarers.
