MARSEILLES BRITISH MERCHANT SEAMEN'S HOSPITAL
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—In 1924 I appealed for funds to complete and open this hospital. As a result of the response we were enabled to complete the building, and the hospital is now ready to receive patients. A representative of 11.M. Office of Works recently inspected it and gave a very favourable report, both as regards the sums expended and the nature of the work accomplished. Provision exists for sixty beds, which, as things are at present, is more than sufficient for the needs of the seamen, for whom the hospital has been built, and the Executive Committee have therefore arranged to take in private patients who may require treatment when passing through Marseilles and whose contributions will materially assist in the cost of maintenance. Her late Majesty, Queen Alexandra, our patroness, took a keen interest in the hospital. In token of our gratitude, and with Ills Majesty's permission, the Executive Committee has decided to rename it " Queen Alexandra Memorial Hospital (Marseilles)."
'The building fund is practically exhausted, and, while there is no debt, the Committee do not feel justified in actually opening the hospital without a satisfactory balance to meet the initial running expenses. They are therefore appealing for a sum of £5,000, and immediately this is forth- coming the hospital will be opened and, it is hoped and believed, satisfactorily meet a need which has long been felt by the merchant seamen who visit the port of Marseilles as well as by such travellers from the Far East and others for whom there may be accommodation.
Subscriptions should be sent to F. C. Goodenough, Esq.. the Honorary Treasurer, Queen Alexandra Hospital (Mar- seilles), Barclay's Bank, 54 Lombard Street, E.C. 3.
I am glad to be able to announce that T.R.H. the Duke and Duchess of York have graciously consented to bee= Patron and Patroness of the hospital, and I am authorized to say that this appeal has their warmest sympathy and support.—I am, Sir, &e.,
SPENCER S. DICKSON,
H.M. Consul-General, Marseilles. Chairman of the Executive Committee.
[The need for a Seamen's Hospital at Marseilles has been so urgent for so long that we wish it could have been open for patients long ago, even on a smaller scale. The large building now ready should not, for lack of funds, remain unused for a day longer than can be helped.—En. Spectator.]
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