A MODERN LINER

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 96, 18 January 1938, Page 10

A MODERN LINER

Stratheden On Maiden Voyage LATEST P. AND O. SHIP Not a few New Zealanders are travelling out from England in the Stratheden, the latest P. and O. liner, which left London on Christmas Eve on her maiden voyage to Australia. Of 23,500 tons gross register, the Stratheden is the second of the three new liners specially designed and built for the England-India-Australia service of the P. and O. Company. Although she resembles in many respects the Strathmore, which visited Wellington a few weeks ago, the Stratheden embodies a number of improvements and is one of the finest and most up-to-date ships afloat to-day. A sister-ship, the Strathallan, is now fitting out and is expected to be ready for service about Easter. The vessel, which is 664.5 ft. long, 84ft. in beam, and 47.5 ft. moulded depth to E deck, has passenger decks. She has first-class accommodation for 448 persons in single . and double berth cabins, many with private bathrooms. A few magnificent suites, comprising dining-room, sitting-room, bedrooms, bathroom and private deck balconv, are the last word in luxury. Every room in the first-class has a telephone. Trends in Decoration. The public rooms are very fine. Their decoration shows a reaction from the striking modernistic effects that were greatly in vogue in ships a few years ago. A more restrained note is evident, geometric designs replacing the bold patterns and paintings that have graced many recent ships. No attempt has been made to strike a period note, however, and a modern air has been obtained by extensive use of engraved mirrors and panelling in light woods. The first-class dining-saloon seats 260 passengers, and is notable for the skilful use of concealed lighting and the window screens glazed in softly-tinted glass. The masking of the saloon portholes is, incidentally, a very merciful innovation in rough weather, and one which few ships can boast. By raising the deck above in the form of a dome, the dining-saloon is given extra height, which is very welcome in the tropics. Added comfort is provided by the installation of an airconditioning plant for this room. Other public rooms in the first-class include a writing room and library, which can be converted into a picture theatre, a lounge furnished in blue and silver, giving an attractive blend of richness and restraint and a veranda cafe and smoke-room. There is a large vantage of folding glass sidescreens, enabling it to be open in the tropics and completely enclosed in colder regions. The panelling, carried out largely in Empire woods, is the most striking feature of the public rooms. Finelyfigured ash, chestnut, Australian walnut, sycamore, betula, peroba, elm burr, oak, and birch are a few of the woods used, and they are set off with ornamentations of anodised aluminium and other metals and with mirrors etched and sand-blasted in striking designs. One of the finest mirrors is that in the lounge, which depicts au Assyrian lion hunt. Among several paintings are an oil of St. Paul’s Cathedral by Norman Wilkinson, P.R.1., and a decorative map of the world by William McDowell. The first-class swimming pool is itself a work of art. The balustrade is in white and jade green, and the bath is finished in coloured tiles. Movable screens enable it to be sheltered from any wind. The sports deck is 275 feet by 82 feet, and includes a full-sized tennis court. More sports space is provided on the deck below.

A children’s nursery and diningroom are particularly happily furnished. Comic wooden animals carved in relief on the walls make delightful decorations.

Tourist-Class Amenities.

The tourist-class accommodation is in keeping with the standard of the first-class. About 563 passengers can be carried in 233 cabins, a number of which are single-berth cabins. All have hot and cold water. The decorative scheme is similar to the first-class, panelling in cool, light woods again being a feature of the roomy dining saloon, smoke room, nursery, lounge, and veranda cafe.

A swimming pool and dancing floor are other facilities provided. There are no fewer than three promenade decks for tourist-class passengers, arid an extensive sports deck. This class even has a grand piano in the lounge, and an elevator between the chief decks. Cabins are maintained at a pleasant temperature by a mechanical ventilation control, which is also used in the crew’s quarters. The vessel carries a crew of 563, and theiy accommodation represents a marked advance on that provided a few years ago.

Attractive Appearance. Built by Vickers-Armstrong, Ltd., at Barrow-in-Furness, the Stratheden has attractive lines. She has a straight stem an'd cruiser stern, and has only one funnel. She is propelled by twin screws, each driven by a set of Parson’s turbines, consisting of one highpressure, one intermediate, and one low-pressure turbine. Steam is generated in six Babcock and Wilcox highpressure marine type boilers, four large and two small. Oil fuel only is used. The engines develop 24,000 shaft horse-power, giving a speed of 21.8 knots on trials. She is fitted with the most modern safety 'devices. The hull is divided into 12 transverse watertight compartments, and has a continuous double bottom from the collision bulkhead to the after end of the shaft tunnels. Her lifeboats are of steel, and four are motor-driven. They have patent skatelaunching gear, and are carried in Welin McLachlan gravity type davits. A smoke detection and alarm system is installed in all cargo spaces and store rooms, and sprinkler and firealarm equipment is provided throughout the passenger accommodation. In addition, the whole of the woodwork is covered with fire-resisting paint, and fireproof doors are fitted in the main alleyways.

(Picture on Page 7.)