SLOOPS’ EFFICIENCY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 48, 19 November 1932, Page 9

SLOOPS’ EFFICIENCY

Veronica & Laburnum Type GIVEN YEOMAN SERVICE The remarks made by Mr. H. Bywater, naval correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph,” regarding the seaworthiness of the Laburnum class of sloop, are, In the opinion- of a naval officer at Wellington, a trifle too sweeping. While admitting that the sloops should be replaced as soon as possible, the officer draws attention to the yeoman service done by these vessels. Hastily built during the war, the sloops did duty that entailed long periods of seagoing time and hazardous duties. In addition to laying;, and sweeping mines, they assisted cruisers in convoy protection, enabling more destroyers to be used for aggressive purposes. They also did general naval service, such as transport of liberty men and towing duties. Service Round World. After the war most of the sloops were sent all round the world, stated the officer, and considering the haste of their construction they were seaworthy types of craft. The Laburnum and Veronica, he said, had during their period in New Zealand, been in all types of heavy weather, and given creditable performances. With regard to the loss of the Valerian. one of the sloop type which is mentioned by Mr. Bywater, the officer stated that she foundered in the West Indies hurricane under most trying circumstances. Commander Usher, her captain, who was honourably acquitted in the court-martial, stated that the scarcity of coal in the Bahamas necessitated his sailing with bunkers so depleted that economical steaming was essential. When 200 miles from Bermuda he received warnings, and speeded up. However, when he was nearing port he found that it was impossible to make it. and he headed away. Enormous Green Seas. With the wind increasing steeringway was not to be secured with the maximum engine power at his disposal. The ship was seaworthy until a series of squalls beggaring description ensued, following their passing of the centre of the cyclone, and the Valerian heeled over 70 degrees, but righted again. Then there were, more squalls, and tlie engines stopped, and the ship was apparently aground, though no breakers could be seen She turned over slowly and her funnels became submerged, her boilers exploded, and she sank. With the tremendous force of a hurricane, the officer continued, any ship of the Valerian’s size is in grave danger. Enormous steep green seas sweep up and bury the ship in tons of water, and if she is near the centre of the disturbance the odds are very much against, her survival. However, the officer concluded, the new Penzance sloops have been built for overseas work, and are serviceable craft. If they do as good work as their flower class sisters they will amply justify their existence.