On the extreme east end of the Bund a thirty-foot board hoare the legend " Sailors' and Soldiers' te," and, judging from the number of visitors, the efforts of those who opened and carry on the place do not go unappreciated. It is purely a private venture, Mr. and Mrs. Mudditt bearing the whole responsibility, financial and otherwise, no light burden one would judge. The Institute buildings were rented on a nine years' lease from Messrs. L. W. Sing Tai & Ca, just twelve months ago, by the local missionaries, but without any clear iden of how the place could be carried on. Well they took time by the forelock, for so much accommodation, and so conveniently situated, would now be unobtainable. Mr. and Mrs. Mudditt, who have, for the previous three years erse, been engaged in work among the Chinese in the neighbourhood, stepped into the breach and for nine months past have devoted themselves to the service of the sailors, The house is small enough for its purpose, particularly when the bulk of the fleet is here. The accommodation at the disposal of the sailors consists of a Inrge airy room, the tables on one side of which are covered with newspapers and magazines,—more old than new it is to be feared, though Mr. Mudditt acknowledges the kindness of ihe propeleles of the North-China Herald, the Celestial Empire and the Tanes in supplying the Institute with copies of their valuable papers free of all cost. At the tables on the other side substantial refreshments are to be obtained at prices all too moderate as some judge, but the rates are fixed at a minimum lest higher figures should suggest a business speculation,—no great risk to run.
Another and smaller room is set apart for meetings, and here nightatter night, there is the sound of hearty hymn-singing to the accompaniment of tiny organ. Later on these singing parties give place to more regular services, prayer-meetings, Bible-readings, and so forth. As there is no missionary or other society behind Mr. Mud-dirt, the expenses involved are met by friends interested in the welfare of sailors abroad. The advantages of the Institute to the men are so evident, that it is not surprising some should have assumed for it the support of the Admiralty or of the local government. The facts are, however, as above stated.
20th June.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.