A LINER IN THE MAKING

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22592, 23 December 1938, Page 7

A LINER IN THE MAKING

DOMINION MONARCH

MAIDEN VOYAGE TO N.2. IN FEBRUARY

The Dominion Monarch, of 27,000 tons gross, officially described as the world’s most powerful motor-vessel, which was launched from the yard of Swan, Hunter, and Wigham Richardson, Ltd., on July 27, will sail on her maiden voyage in a pioneer service of the Shaw Savill and Albion Lines from Southampton to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand on February 17. Meanwhile joiners, fitters, and other tradesmen, to the number of about 2000, have, taken possession of her, under the direction of Mr Norman Hunter, the general manager of the shipyard. . Full use has been made of electric welding, a system which results in perfectly fiat floors, free from overlapping seams. It is said that more use has been made of electric welding than in any other merchant vessel of similar size. *lllO great games deck, which is sheathed with Burma teak, measures 250 feet long and is nearly 87 feet broad, and is unimpeded by 14 lifeboats carried high above its level. Fine though the games decks of some of the liners built in recent years for services with t!ie British countries oversea, the upper deck of the Dominion Monarch is said to be considerably larger than the corresponding feature of any other vessel sailing between Great Britain and Australia and New Zealand. An open space separates the bridge and quarters of the captain and officers from this immense deck. This arrangement means that the bridge is placed well forward and is only 137 feet from the bows. It extends beyond each side of the ship, and from the ends uninterrupted views can_ be had of the whole length of the ship. The builders are proud of the proportions of a single finely-tapered steel mast which has just been fitted ahead of the bridge, though its appearance is partially obscured by a large derrick adjoining it. capable of lifting 45 tons. Most'of the interior panelling is of beautiful Australian woods. One of the exceptions is the panelling of the large lounge, since the wood consists of well-seasoned elm that long formed the piles of Waterloo Bridge across the Thames. Concealed lighting will be employed, and when in the evening lights between double windows are in use the restaurant will appear to be flooded with sunlight. A sprinkler system was installed even before the vessel was launched, and this equipment has simplified the carrying out of decorative work. In many of the staterooms square or oblong windows have replaced round portholes. Floors Of staterooms will be covered with rubolem. From the foyer the diningroom, to seat 300 persons, is approached, and while waiting for companions to enter passenger- will have the attractions on one side of a curved cocktail bar and on the other of shop windows.

The engines consist of four Diesel motors, and the walls of the engineroom have been specially treated to restrict the passage of sound. The activity in the ship will proceed at its present high level till the end of the year. By then all the constructive wprk should have been completed; all the machinery in the vessel will be run; and an army of painters and cleaners will prepare the ship for the reception of all carpets, rugs, furniture, and other fittings, linen and plate, and stores, which wall be poured into her.