H.M.S. TORCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 9 November 1912, Page 5

H.M.S. TORCH

THE COMMANDER INTERVIEWED

iUNiiuD Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Nov. 8. Commander le Hunte Ward, of H.M.S. Torch, interviewed regarding the statements made concerning the vessel, said when the Torch was posted to the reserve at Sydney five or six years ago, it was generally understood that it would be turned into a hulk. Those responsible postponed the overhauling of the vessel from year to year. This was winked at by the official eye, with the 'result that' when instructions were cabled for the Torch to be re-commis-sioned to replace the Pegasus in the Friendly Islands, there was consternation in New South Wales naval circles. The Torch was certainly docked; but there was only time for a hurried adjustment of machinery, and to effect the repairs absolutely necessary- At the beginning of last year the Torch left Sydney, and proceeded to the Islands. All went well until Hearing the end of the 1700 miles tour, when the propeller shaft snapped. She was towed to Sydney by H.M.S. Psyche, and this necessitatpd 'a full report on the vessel s condition, and as a result an inquiry is to be held regarding the condition of the vessel when she put to sea from Sydney. Commander Ward is of the opinion that the inquiry will be held in Australia. The vessel has now been thoroughly overhauled,