THE TERRA NOVA.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13876, 29 October 1910, Page 10

THE TERRA NOVA.

HER GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The vessel which arrived at Lyttelton yesterday is a vast improvement on the Terra NoA-a which first made her appearance in Lyttelton harbour on April Ist, 1904, tvhen, as relief ship to tho Royal Geographical Society's expedition, she returned from the "Antarctic in company with the Discovery and the Mor-nina. In outward appearance her hull „ just the same, except that it looks clean and new and in perfect order. Her iron-sheathed bow, Avhich has broken its way through countless icefields and packs in both the Arctic nnd the Antarctic regions, is surmounted by a white-painted iigure-head representing a beautiful Avoman with outstretched arm ever showing the wav across strange seas to new lands. A broad, white hand relieves the jet of the black-painted topeides, Arhile across tho square stern of the staunch little vessel is a eilded scroll, and in the centre the name of tho ship and the badge of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Both on deck and below, however, such a change has been wrought in the arrangements and fittings of the vessel that it is difficult to recognise in her the one-time whaler. The whole of the poop is fitted tin with accommodation for the ship's officers and tho members of the scientific staff. Tlie navigating bridge just aft the tall yellow funnel has been mado as comfortable as possible for the officers who have to take the ship across the stormy seas Avhich lie between New Zealand and the Antarctic. A large new deckhouse, built on the poop behind the bridge, contains a small but well-fitted and cosy chartroom. The old skylight has been taken out of the poop, and two companionways give access to tho ward-room and the cabins of the officers and scientists. The ward-room, which is exceptionally well-lighted, is as roomy as the restricted space will permit. It is simply, but comfortably, furnished., and while not luxurious in its appointments, the ward-room is a very cosy compartment. The cabins which open on to the ward-room are fitted out with one, two, three, and, in some cases, four berths, and while the rooms are necessarily somewhat cramped, they are far ahead of those on either the Morning or the Nimrod. 7A. long, narrow deck-house has been buiit.on.the port side of the pooo. and t- dtvj-ea into six small, but well-fitted,,

laboratories for the scientists. Forward of the poop, and below the navigating bridge, are the engine-room, stokehole, and coal bunkers; then comes the hatch of the maiuhold, in which are stowed the stores, sloilws. and general equipment for the shore party. On the main deck, abaft the main-mast, is a large deck-house, which will be used solely as a store-room for fresh meat and proviI sion.s. It is insulated throughout, and with a supnlv of four tons of ice, will effectually" preserve tlie freshness of the meat, butter, and other perishable stores during the voyage to the Antarctic. It wa.s only on Thursday that the last of the fresh meat taken on at Melbourne was used, and the ice. for which there was no further use, Avas thrown overboard. The cook's gallov. Avhich is under thi* chare, of Mr W. Archer, chief cook, and '~s assistant, is on the forward ond of the main deck, close to the forecastle. The crew are accommodated in the forecastle, and are well provided ior. Their moss quarters, which are clean and well lighted, and provided with tables and nmplo seating accommodation, aro situated under the top-gallant forecastle. A scuttle and a steep ladder give access to the living quarters of the mni. A.hich are below tho main dock in the loAvcr forecastle. Lockers are built along both sides, and are so arranged that they may be converted into hunks. Most of the men, however, follow the Avay they havo in tho Navy, and sleep in hammocks. A room on the port side of th. vessel in the lower forecastle, contains the living quarters of the warrant officers, bunks being provided for six men. This room is very cosy, and is well lit by a small skylight. The two boatswains, three engineers, and the chief cook, occupy this room. Seventeen men—able seamen and stokers—live in the forecastle. It is quite probable that four able seamen and one additional fireman Avill be engaged at Lyttelton before tho Terra Nova loaves Lvttclton.

The trim appearance of the Terra Nova and the air of cleanliness and order A.hioh pervaded tho vessel speak Avell for the care and attention lavished on her by the crew. The vessel is run on strictly Navy rules, which demand a place for everything and cvervthing in its place. The vessel had not been made fast half an hour before a start Avas mado to got the deck load of cases of petrol and patent fuel off the vessel and into No. 5 shed. There is an immense amount of work to bo done to got everything in readiness, so that The A-essel will be ready to sail for the Antarctic in a month's time. Accommodation has yet to bo provided on deck tor the ponies and dogs, which aro resting on Quail Island, and when overruling is aboard tho ship there will bo very little clear space on her decks. , r • " < $ nrt t% being made to get the Terra Nova ready to go into dry dock on -hursday next, to undergo an overhaul.