NEW GIANT LINER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 70, 20 February 1939, Page 6

NEW GIANT LINER.

DOAHNION MONARCH SETS OUT.

Per Press Association

WELLINGTON, Feb. 20. A wireless message received by the United Press Association from the Dominion Alonarch states that an enthusiastic farewell was given the liner when she started her voyage from England, linking New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Mother Country for the first time by a direct service. Aircraft and tugs escorted the Dominion Monarch down the Thames, and at Worcester cadets lined the rails and cheered the passing liner, which is partly officered by former Worcester men. Alore aircraft, tugs,, and small craft escorted the liner down Southampton Water, the ’planes diving in salute overhead. Passengers gaped as a Supermarine Spitfire—Britain’s fastest fighter—streaked overhead at enormous speed with a shattering roar. The pilot was dropped off at the Nab Tower, and Captain Hartman gave the order, “full speed all engines.” While the pilot boat’s siren wailed farewell and flags fluttered “Good Luck” at lier masthead, the Dominion Alonarch rapidly gathered speed. The liner was now doing eighteen knots against a strong head breeze and a rough sea. The engines are not running at their maximum power. Notabilities aboard include Viscount Rothermere, Admiral Sir E. Gaunt, and Sir Norman Leslie. Among the liner’s total of 220 passengers are 25 German Jewish refugees for Australia and four for New Zealand.