MESSAGE FROM MR FRASER

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25088, 21 January 1947, Page 8

MESSAGE FROM MR FRASER

“EXCELLENT CONDUCT OF PASSENGERS” THANKS EXPRESSED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 20. “I would like to express my appreciation of, and thanks to all those who assisted to overcome the difficulties and inconveniences caused by the unfortunate grounding of the Wanganella,” said the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) this afternoon. “I am informed that the conduct of the passengers was excellent and that the work of the officers and crew of the vessel was outstanding. ‘‘With the Commissioner of Police (Mr J. Cummings), who was on duty from 1 a.m., I was kept in touch from early morning with the events that followed the grounding of the vessel. ‘‘Thanks are due to the Wellington Harbour Board officials and men of the various craft which ferried to and from the Wanganella, to the Salvation Army whose mobile canteen assisted the passengers, to the Rationing Controller for the urgent release of rationed foodstuffs, and to members of the Police force and other officials.” Mr Fraser said it was because of the efficient organisation of the assistance that the disembarkation which started at 5 a.m. was completed by 8.45 a.m. LORD NUFFIELD ON BOARD BUSINESS TRIP TO N.Z. (P.A.) WELLINGTON. January 20. Lord Nuffield has visited New Zealand several times, but his arrival at Wellington to-day was a novel experience. With other passengers, he was brought to Queen’s wharf on the harbour ferry after being transhipped from the "Wanganella. With Lord Nuffield is Mr R. Hanks, a director and general manager of Nuffields Exports. Ltd. They had intended to return to . Australia by the Wanganella on Thursday after a brief : business visit, but their movements are now uncertain. I Lieutenant-General Sir Noel Beres ford-Peirse and Lady Beresford-Peirse I were among the Wanganella’s passengers.