FLOATING VILLAGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1390, 23 November 1918, Page 7

FLOATING VILLAGES.

Directly the fussy little motor-boat lands you alongside the battleship of to-day the similarity begins. You arc taken into what is practically ;1 self-contained village, the population of which is formed by the crew, numbering about a thousand. ( _ The "main strcol of a village illusion is maintained everywhi it. The butcher, grocer (represented by the canteen paymaster's stores), barber, the laundry, and a baker, arc all to be found. There are stores of all descriptions Engineers, carpenters, seamen, and electrical workers, all are provided for, and the paymaster can supply anything in the stationary line that may be required, Nor doo3 the resemblance end there. Should voi. want a suit of clothes made to measure", the ship's tailor will deal with you. If, however, you prefer ready-made articles, then the victualling stall' are the people. Perhaps yon may be ; hungry. I" that case the chief 'cook will claim your attention. It will not be much trouble for him to supply your needs, considering that he and his stall' are engaged in cooking for the population of a thousand. There will be an endless variety of dishes for you to choose from. There is a doctor with a stall' and dispell, sary at his disposal to minister to your needs whether surgical or medical. The "sick bay"—representing hospital—contains some comfortable beds, so younced not fear the gymnastic display occasioned to the uninitiated by a hammock. Education i s not neglected. .V gun easement forms a good class-room. The students are numerous, and the subjects range from simple arithmetic to electrical engineering or hydrostatatics. In the evening you call visit the homemade "picture palace" or the concert room, which is tastefully decorated with bunting, The programme will be all that you desire. On Sunday, if you wish, you can attend Divine service in' the church prepared by the sailors The chaplain and choir (not forgetting the harmonium) will be there to greet you, and the hymn-singing by the soilor congregation will be a revelation.