Liner delayed

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 17

Liner delayed

(N.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) SOUTHAMPTON, November 5. Many hundreds of angry and confused passengers had to be turned away yesterday when the sailing of the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth 2 for New York was abruptly delayed for at least 48 hours. The hold-up was blamed on the failure of contractors to complete new wiring and kitchen work in an extensive refit, and 800 workmen are working round the clock to have the vessel ready for sea by Monday night. About 1300 passengers i

were due to board the 65,000ton Cunard liner at Southampton, and another 250 at Cherbourg, France. Hundreds were dismayed when they reached the dockside and found the sailing postponed, and about 600 had their boat-train from London to the dock cancelled. Cunard’s chairman (Mr Victor Matthews) said: “The delay is a disaster, because it means that the company has let down the passengers. About 200 have decided to fly to the United States, rather than wait, and Cunard is paying for their air fares We are also paying the hotel bills of those passengers who chose not to fly, or could not be accommodated over the week-end aboard the liner We estimate the cost of the delay at £100,000.”