SOAT DRILL EFFICIENCY.

Evening Star, Issue 14926, 12 July 1912, Page 9

SOAT DRILL EFFICIENCY.

OX FEREY STEAMERS. TRIAL OnTiARAROA. [Special to the Star.] WELLIXGTOX. July 11. Beat drill was gone through on the Mararoa to-day ■during a short trip in Wellington Harbor, arranged by the Union Company for the information of the Minister of Marine (the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher) and several other members, including Mr G. Laiirenson, who while Minister of Marine had taken a keen interest in life-saving at sea. The party lunched aboard with Captain Manning. Mr Kennedy (manager of the company). Mr R. Ihtneau (Chief Government Surveyor of Ships), and others. The vessel steamed slowly down the harbor towards Somes Island, and at a signal from Captain Manning the boats’ crews took their places and launched the boats from both sides, returning to the ship after a short cruise. There was no attempt at record-breaking, although the actual launching occupied only about five minutes. The demonstration was given merely to show the process of launching. In conversation with members of the party, Mr Duncan stated that the Union and Huddart-Parker fleets carried boats for a full complement of passengers, and a lifebelt for every soul aboard. The lifesaving appliances were adequate, ami every boat and raft was provisioned and carried water tanks, a distinction enjoyed only in Xew Zealand, which had been the only country to legislate on the point. Members of the party were greatly interested in the rafts, which lay on the boat deck free to float off. These rafts are fitted with fresh-water tanks, with screw tops on either side. General satisfaction was expressed with the life-saving equipment, and Captain Manning was complimented on the efficiency of his officers ami of the boats’ crews, *■ The demonstration gives a feeling of security to the travelling public, and shows that the life-saving equipment of the Mararoa is as efficient as one could reasonably expect," remarked the Hon. F. M. IJ. Fisher after the trial. Ho added that the boats were got away fully manned in six minutes without any bustling. The Government intended to go into the whole question of life-saving equipment and. the control and provision of wireless apparatus on ships.