CAPTAIN'S DENIAL

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 58, 6 September 1945, Page 8

CAPTAIN'S DENIAL

TROOPSHIP ORION

REPLY TO MEN'S COMPLAINTS

Commenting on the complaints in connection with the troopship Orion, as reported in "The Post" yesterday, the New Zealand agents of the ship stated today that in practically all the items of criticism, the matter was covered by his Majesty's Sea Transport Regulations, the object of which was the protection of the troops. Therefore, the criticism in the main was against the regulations rather than the vessel. The one exception was the question of the tea being too weak, which is dealt with below The master of the Orion, Captain A. C. G. Hawker, C.8.E., gave an emphatic and categorical denial to the men's complaints. The agents also pointed out that the owners of the vessel had no say as to the number of troops their vessel was equipped to carry or as to the number actually embarked. That was the prerogative of the naval and military .authorities. In advance of embarkation for. the voyage under notice, the .ship's accommodation was inspected by the military authorities, who included a New Zealand colonel. The naval system of hammocks was standard practice in all troopships. In his comment on the criticism, the master of the Orion, Captain Hawker, had the following to say: "Practically all the men of the New j Zealand Forces went overseas in my i type of ship in the early 1940.'5. Then the ships had just been diverted from passenger carrying and so the men travelled in comparative luxury- They return now after the ships have bpen right through the war and converted to carry as many as possible; consequently the standard of comfort is not so high and the men notice the difference. I have carried 150,000 troops during the wan, and this is the first occasion published complaints have been made. My entire crew is indignant at these scurrilous and incorrect attacks. The ship was fitted to carry 4771 men. During the present trip 3727 men were carried, so there was no overcrowding. THE FOOD RATION. "The story that the men were continually fed bully beef is a lie," said the captain. "They had it for two meals out of 21 served in any one i week. . Food served included porridge, with milk, beef, mutton, potatoes, beans, salad, fish, cabbage, swedes, eggs, apples, bacon, lamb, and green peas. Besides, there were 40 tons of Red Cross supplies of asparagus, biscuits, cake, jam, sweets, and plum pudding. "The ventilation on the ship, one of . the latest of its line, was the best type ; possible," he added. In fact, during the last three days of the voyage, the forced ventilation system was turned off on some decks at the men's request—they said they were getting too much cold air. There were no men carried below the waterline, as had been stated. All the open decks on the ship excepting one were available to the men. The one exception was for the 511 officers on board. "The ship was not blacked out from Liverpool to Panama, but. was blacked out from Panama to New Zealand on the orders of the American authorities. This was explained to the men at the time. Stray Japanese submarines were thought, .to be still at sea. "The canteen prices on the ship are fixed by the authorities and have to be observed. The shipping line has no control over them, and the line does not retain any profit made. The ship is dry. and so are aL 1 troop trans- j ports. That is ordered by the Mm- • is.try of War Transport, and sensibly, too. And the Governments of' the British Dominions agreed to the order. Consecmently, there was no liquor for the celebration of VJ Day. COMPLAINTS ABOUT TEA. "Complaints about tea were made during the voyage, so New Zealanders were allowed to supervise its making. Then they were the only ones on board to drink it —other personnel complained that it was too strong, and were allowed to make their own separately. "There were more than the Sea Transport Regulations number of lavatories on board for the men. "Entertainment was organised". There were discussion groups, brains trusts, quizzes, games, sweepstakes, and pictures twice a day. A ten-piece band played for hours daily." Captain Hawker produced a letter to him from Lieut.-Colonel R. G. "Webb, officer commanding the New Zealanders. Colonel Webb expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation "for all that you and your staff have done to make our voyage as happy and comfortable as possible." The letter added: "To us all she will ever be remeiiibered with,, .deep feelings, .of gratitude as- the ship- which carried tfs' aftpr long and weary years to the haven j where we would be. No small part cf our happy memories will be the remembrance of the part you and your staff throughout the shiu have played in catering to our needs and sharing in our interests. May the bonds of friendshin formed on the ship be lastin <? ones." j The officer commanding R.A.A.F. personnel on board. Squadron Leader •J. Crenpan. said: "In my opinion this is a well-found ?hip: I speak from several years of trooping pxperience."