The Birkenhead News and Wirral General Advertiser. — 1913-01-04 (Birkenhead, Merseyside, England)

THE CONGO UNDERTAKING.  The current issue of "Progress'" , the bright little organ published by Messrs. Lever Bros., contains a comprehensive re-cord of the events that have token place in Port Sunlight daring the past year, and much other information that is interesting.• A. •great dead • 01 space is devoted to the departure of Sir Wm. and Lady Lever to the Congo, and an article is reproduced from "'rho African World" dealing with .Messrs: Lever Bros. enterprise out there. " Lever Brothere' . Projects in Exmatorial Africa mean something more the mere buying, selling, and bartering which hitherto have formed the sole method of trader development," says the article. " The' -are far wrier and enduring— The usand and one problems that face the . administration of new countries have , been attacked by Lever's With a conrage ' and fervour which few other businees 1 firms would have ventured to approach, I-. . . There can .„he no „deant that in granting these .wicie_polvileges, to Lever uovernment have mad ,ilven ea+yos.ktorstope. of the commirni.cialTolot the Congo. No better' method could have been adopted,. and in gripiping with both heads the duties of administration, • education, industry, end trade Lever Brothers have undoubtedly undertaken one of the greatest entierprises ever embarked ugionßlzir<i):: em tropical Africa. The ernmeut may rest assured that the provisions of their contracts, whatever they may be,- will be more than fully observed. to the advantage of the etanni, and as a telling mamma= of their wisdom in entering. into. them. In these circumstance* is it not time that the annexation of the 'Congo- by • the Belgian Government &oak' be recognised? No greater guarantee of future good werolluooot could have  • TN -eircurnstinces--that suggested murder aad suicide, the dead bodies of Robert Edward Rowley (24), -rail-Way fireman, and. his wife, Maud 02), who were returning from 'their hone:mon,- were -discovered in la litli:rnrasky carriage at 11.41dlesbrough on  Mission Hall and gallery was crowded to: excess with men and women for their watch-night service. It was a most impressive service conducted by Mr. W. H. Ralston (c.m.c.A.), Mr. J. R. Southward.l and Mr. J. Nelson Ballantine, who all gave I most earnest and appropriate addresses.l Mr. G. W. Pollexfen, chairman of the Mission Executive Committee, regretted very much owing to delicate health his inability to be present as had been his wont for so many years, but wished each and all God's blessing and a very happy and bright New Year. A telegram was also received from the Mission treasurer, Mr. Arthur J. Preston, expressing regret that absence from home prevented him being present during the Christmas festivities.  Special hymns and recitals were given by the children of the Mission, while Mr. Jack Halliday sang in his clear baritone voice two beautiful carols which were splendidly received. The recital "What is a gentleman" was eloquently rendered by Mr. W. Gill.  Traces of poverty and distress were stamped on the faces of the many present, but it is pleasing to relate that it was the most orderly "Watch-night service" that has ever been known at the Mission, perfect silence reigning the; whole time. Tea I and buns were distributed at the close of I the service.  On Thursday afternoon the Mission Hall was again filled, this time with close on 200 poor widows, many very aged and infirm, who welcomed with, great delight their dear friends Mrs. and Miss Wilson, of Hoylake, who for many years have tea for them the first Tlittrsday fil the -year, Mrs. Wilson giving a most beautiful and earnest address. In the evening Mks. Birt, of the Liverpool Sheltering Home,, gave her annual treat, "The Robin's .Supper" to the dhildren of the Mission, which was as usual a great sacceas. kr. Drummond, from the Sheltering Home, was present, accompanied by Mr. Ruff, a missionary from China, who is shortly going out to Knoulton, Canada, with a party of little people from the Liverpool Sheltering Home. All through his I address one could have, heard a pin drop , while he related so eloqueatly- the beautiful story of "The Lost Sheep," which he medal so real and interesting; he seemed to carry' his hearers right away to the Eastern city where it had taken place.-Mr. Drummond, on behalf of Miss Hirt, expressed his pleasure at being with them all again, and complimented the young folks on their ex.' cellent singing, and said how he would like to convey them all over to the other side of the water for the little people of the Sheltering Home to hear, which announcement was greeted with great applause. Santa Claus and Santa Claus, jun., again added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening.  The Lady Superintendent and committee wish to tender to their good friends one and all their most sincere and grateful thanks for all the help so willingly rendered which has made this Christmas and New Year a record one at the Poor Children's Mission.  ' • • • ..z., 4.&. • I."' . 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