Provision of Second New Zealand Hospital Ship.

Free Lance, Volume XV, Issue 795, 24 September 1915, Page 4

Provision of Second New Zealand Hospital Ship.

In view of. the testimony to the value of tue Maheno, and the increasing demand, for the treatment and conveyance of sicii and wounded, the .New "Zealand Government, with the advice of the Imperial authorities, who state that an additional .hospital ship would be a real and substantial help and would be eagerly welcomed, nave decided to lit out and despatch a second hospital ship with the least possible delay. It is proposed that this second hospital ship shall be equipped on the same lines as the Maheno, and in this connection His Excellency the Governor requests us to publish a further appeal to the generosity of New Zealanders to assist in providing the equipment. The following articles are required:—2ooo each feather pillows (to fit pillow slips to size given below), draw sheets, bath towels, day shirts (iianne.),' under-vests (not thick), bed socks, face wash cloths, 3000 each sheets (two yards by three yards), pairs cf pyjamas, pillow slips (21 .inches by 32 inches), 5000 face' and hand towels, 6000 handkerchiefs, 1600 pairs of day -socks (knitted), 1500 tooth brushes and tins of tooth powder, 1200 each, quilts (Bolton sheeting), nightingales, • and bed jackets, 1000 each night shirts, pairs felt slippers, flannel drawers (not too thick), flannel dressing gowns, flannel waistcoats (without sleeves), cushions, mufflers, balaclavas, 750 reek ootton thread (black and ditto white"), 600 each water-boti'les and covers, hair combs and brushes, 400 deck chairs, 250 pieces tape (back and ditto white), 200 lbs worsted (various) in ilb packets (201bs equals 30 pieces), 50 sets shoe brushes, SO gross of various buttons. An unlimited number of surgical towels and bandages of calico, gauze, crepe velpeau, crepe fardar, flannel, many tailed, are also wanted. Two additional motor launches are also required up to 16-h.p., 28 feet long, 7 feet 6 inches, or 9 feet beam. Particulars can be obtained from BrigadierGeneral A. W. Robin, CM., C.M.G., Defence Office, Wellington. His Excellency adds:—"l am prepared to receive communications from the Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch; and Dunedin (who, it Js understood, will in certain cases be 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 local Mayors.

"All cases of goods, with, a list of the contents on the top of each, should be addressed to His Excellency the Governor, Government House, Wellington, but I should like to be advised prior to 'their despatch through the channels mentioned above. In the case of Wellington other arrangements will be made. The advice should state clearly the number of articles, from where sent, and when despatched. "I should be glad to receive any contributions of the above articles as soon as possible, and not later than November 10th, in order to allow? time for any further articles, if needed, to be purchased.

"It is particularly requested! that, owing to the time available, the various articles contributed should be packed in separate cases as 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 will thus be able- to at once lay his hand on any article required.

"It will be noticed that the public have been asked to contribute goods in kind which are most readily 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 ship should personally supervise and select these stores.

"Should there be any surplus articles after completing the equipment, they will be utilised for the benefit of New Zealand' sick and wounded wherever required.

"The Government is providing for the hire of, and all costs of fitting up and maintaining, the hospital ship .in every respect, including*" wards, bedsteads, operating room, 'laundries, bakeries, wash-houses, eto."