ANOTHER HOSPITAL SHIP

Evening Star, Issue 15914, 21 September 1915, Page 3

ANOTHER HOSPITAL SHIP

GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL. GOVERNOR’S APPEAL. Wa have received the following communication from His Excellency the Governor : PROVISION OF SECOND NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL SHIP. Communications have recently been received to the effect that the Maheno has proved of the greatest assistance in attending to the needs of the sick and wounded, and that in the course of her valuable work over 2,000 cases have been dealt with in the space of eight days. Taking into consideration this testimony of the value of the Maheno and the increasing demand for the treatment and conveyance of sick and wounded, the New Zealand Government, with the advice of the Imperial authorities, who state that an additional ship would be a real and substantial help, and would be eagerly welcomed, ? have decided to fit out and despatch a second hospital ship with the least possible delay. In view of this it is proposed to equip the new vessel on the same lines as the Maheno, and, with regard to the question of gifts in kind, I desire to make a further appeal to the generosity of the people of New Zealand for the under-mentioned articles on behalf of the new ship:— 2.000 feather pillows, to fit pillow slips of size given below. 3.000 sheets (2yds by 3yds). 2.000 draw sheets. 3.000 pillow slips (21in by 32in). 1.200 quilts (Bolton sheeting)! 2.000 bath towels. 600 water bottles and covers. 5.000 face and hand towels. 3.000 pairs of pyjamas. 1.200 nightingales. 1.200 bed_ jackets. 1.000 night shirts. 2.000 day shirts (flannel). 2.000 under-vests (not thick). 2.000 bed socks. 1.000 pairs felt slippers. 1,600 pairs of day socks (knitted). 2.000 face wash cloths. 6.000 handkerchiefs (large). 1.000 flannel drawers (not too thick). 1.000 flannel dressing gowns. 1.000 flannel waistcoats (without sleeves). 30 gross of various buttons. 600 hair combs. 600 hair brushes. 750 reels of cotton thread (hhoVi. 750 reels of cotton thread (white). 100 packets of needles (various). 250 pieces of tape (black). 250 pieces of tape (white). 2001b worsted (various), in 4!l> packets (201b equals 30 pieces). 50 sets of shoe brushes (patterns 15 to 17, various, assorted). 1.500 tooth brushes. 1.500 tins tooth powder. 400 deck chairs. 1.000 cushions. 1.000 mufflers. 1.000 balaclavas. 1 An unlimited number of surgical towels and bandages of calico, gauze, crepe, velpeau crepe, Fardar flannel (many tailed).

. Two additional motor launches are also required, up to 16 horse-power, 23ft lons'. 7ft 6in or 9ft beam. Particulars can bo obtained from Briga-dier-general A. YT- Robin, G. 8., C.M.C.. Defence Office. Wellington. I have purposely omitted blankets and rugs from the above list owing to tludr being somewhat costly, and 1 propose to purchase the requisite number out of the funds already at my disposal. While old linen is, I understand, very useful in hospital. 1 am advised that only new linen shotdd be placed in the hospital ship. I am prepared to receive communications from the Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin (who. it is understood, will in certain cases Iv asked to act for outlying districts), and also from the four centres of the Order of St. John. Where this, however, is not practicable, I should like all communications to pass through the local Mayors, but I hope, owing to the great amount of work which will fall upon es prior to the despatch of the ship, that associations will band themselves together in order that matters may he expedited. All cases of goods, with a list of the contents in the top of each, should be addressed to His Excellency the Governor. Government House, Wellington, hut 1 should like to be advised prior to their despatch through the channels mentioned above. In the case of Wellington other arrangements will he made. The advice should state clearly the number of articles. from where sent, and when despatched.

I should he glad to receive any contributions of the above articles as soon a.s possible, and not later than November 10, in order to allow time for any further articles, if needed, to he purchased. It is particularly requested that, owing to the time available, the various articles contributed should be packed in separate eases a.s far as possible, so that the. storekeeper on the ship will know which cases contain pyjamas, which bath towels, which face towels, etc., etc., and would thus be able at once to lay his hands on any article required. It' will be noticed that the public have been asked to contribute the goods-in kind which are most roadilv available.

The cost of surgical instruments, drugs, etc., will be met out of the money already in hand, as it is absolutely essential that the medical officer in charge of the shin should personally supervise and select these stores.

Should there he any surplus article# after completing the equipment, they will be utilised for the benefit of New Zealand sick and wounded, wherever required, lire Government are providing for the hire of and all costs of fitting up and maintaming the hospital ship in every respect, including wards, liedsteads, "operatia.rooms, laundries, bakeries, washhouses 5 etc. (Signed) Liverpool, Governor. Government House, Wellington. .September 20. SECOND HOSPITAL SHIP. THE MAH ATI A CHARTERED. DEPARTS IN DECEMBER. [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 22. Tho Union Steam Ship Company’s liner Marama; is to be fitted up as a "hospital ship and placed at the service of the Imperial Government. This announcement was made in tho House of Representatives last nicht bv the Hon. J. Allen (Minister of Defence), who explained that New Zealand’s first gift hospital ship, the Maheno, had done great work in conveying wounded soldiers from Gallipoli to Egypt. Already she had carried 2,000 wounded men. Her service had been so valuable that the Government had offered another hospital ship, and the offer had been accepted by the imperial Government. The Mararaa had been engaged, would be fitted up, and made ready for sailing in the first week of December. The Government would bear tho expense of the; chartering and fitting up of the ship. His Excellency the Governor would do much the same as he did in the ease of the Maheno out of the public moneys available. '‘l am sure.” said Mr Allen, " the House will agree that it is wise of us to assist in this benevolent work.” (Hear, hear.) He hoped that tney would be able to keep up the Maheno’s excellent record. HA RAMA TO BE FITTED OUT VT PORT CHALMERS. [From Oor Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 21. The Marama, which lias been chosen for New Zealand’s second hospital ship, will be fitted out at Port Chalmers, where the Maheno was so excellently equipped. The Marama will provide space for 508 cots, as against the Maheno’s 354. The Hon. James Allen informed your representative to-day that probably the Maheno would bring back, from England the most seriously wounded men, who require more comfort than what is available on a transport. If this course is adopted, the Alaheno will return to New Zealand earlv heit-^ear.