THE TERRA NOVA.

Evening Star, Issue 14512, 2 November 1910, Page 11

THE TERRA NOVA.

The vessel is a vast improvement on the Terra Nova which first made her appearance in New Zealand waters in April, 1904, when, as relief ship to the Royal Geographical Society’s expedition, she returned from the Antarctic in company with the Discovery and tho Morning. In outward appearance her hull is just the same, except that it looks clean and new and in perfect order. Her iron-sheathed bow, which has broken its way through countless icefields and packs in both the Arctic and the Antarctic regions, is surmounted by a white painted figurehead representing a beautiful woman with outstretched arm ever showing the way across strange seas to new lands. A broad white band relieves tho jet of tlie black-painted topsides, while across the square stem of the staunch little vessel is a gilded scroll, and in the centre the name of the ship and the badge of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Both on deck and below, however, such a change has been wrought in the arrangements and fittings of tho vessel that it is difficult to recognise in her the one-time whaler. The whole of the poop is fitted up with accommodation for tho ship’s officers and the members of the scientific staff. The navigating

bridge just aft the tall yellow funnel has been made as comfortable as possible for the officers who have to take the ship across tho stormy seas which lie between New Zealand and tho Antarctic. A large new deckhouse, built on the poop behind the bridge, contains a small but well-fitted and cosy chartroom. Tho old skylight has been taken out of the poop, and two companionways give access to tho ward-room and tho cabins of the officers and scientists. The ward-room, which is exceptionally well-lighted, is as roomy as tho restricted space will permit. It is simply, but comfortably, furnished, and while not luxurious hi its'appointments, the ward-room is a very cosy compartment. The cabins which open _on to the ward-room are fitted out with one, two, three, and, in some cases, four berths, and while the rooms are necessarily somewhat cramped, they are far ahead of those on either tho Morning or the Nimrod. A long, narrow deck-house has been built on the port side of the poop, and is divided into six small, but well-fitted, laboratories for the scientists. Forward of the poop, and below the navigating bridge, are the engine-room, stokehole, and coal bunkers; then comes the hatch of the mainhold, in which are stowed the stores, sledges, and general equipment for tho shore party. On tho main

other motion, but stopped on_ learning that the chairman had no intention of taking any action with regard to holding a Christmas tournament.

deck, abaft the main-mast, is a large deck-house, which mil be used solely as a store-room for fresh meat and provisions. It is insulated throughout, and with a supply of four tons of ico, will effectually preserve the freshness of the meat, butter, and other perishable stores during the voyage to tho Antarctic. The cook’s galley is on tho forward end of the main deck, close to the forecastle. Tho crew are accommodated in the forecastle, and are well provided for. Their mess quarters, which are clean and well lighted, and provided with tables and ample seating accommodation, are situated under the topgallant forecastle. A scuttle and a steep ladder give access to the living quarters of the men, which arc below the main deck in the lower forecastle. Lockers are built along both sides, and aro so arranged that they may be converted into bunks. Most of the men, however, follow the way they have in tho uavy, and sleep in hammocks, A room on the port side of the vessel in the lower forecastle contains the living quarters of the warrant officers, bunks being provided for six men. This room is very cosy, and is well lit by a small skylight. The two boatswains, three engineers, and tho chief cook occupy this room. The A.B.s and stokers live in the forecastle.