N.Z. PASSENGERS ON RANGITANE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27094, 18 July 1953, Page 8

N.Z. PASSENGERS ON RANGITANE

Additional Week Of Sightseeing LINER ANCHORED AT GRAVESEND (N.Z. -Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. July 16. More than 300 passengers aboard the liner Rangitane were today enjoying the first week of their 30 days’ cruise to New Zealand—anchored in the mouth of the Thames at Gravesend. But the passengers are not worried. The Rangitane has twice put to sea only to have to return to port because of engine trouble. Last Monday the Rangitanfe’s owners, the New Zealand Shipping Company, offered the passengers a week’s free accommodation, including coach sightseeing tours and parties, while repairs were being made to the engines. About 300 of the 400 who originally sailed jumped at the idea. The remainder returned to their homes or to stay with friends until the ship is ready on Saturday. Many New Zealanders returning home from their Coronation visits aboard the Rangitane are using the extra week to see places of interest they had missed. The passengers are free to come and go as they please, but most are back on board for meals, which are luxurious by English austerity standards. There is dancing at night and the ship’s officers have organised “dockside” parties. One official commented today: “I don’t think anyone will want to sail on Saturday.”