THE GUNBOAT TORCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 1514, 9 November 1912, Page 7

THE GUNBOAT TORCH.

A DEFERRED OVERHAUL. INQUIRY -TO BE HELD. By Telegraph.—rress Association—Copyright. London, November 7. In reply to a question put in the Jlouse of Commons yesterday by Lord Charles Beresford, Mr. Churchill (First Lord of the Admiralty) stated that a report detailing the result of a searching inquiry into the allegations concerning 11.M.5. Torch was expected to be shortly received. THE POSITION EXPLAINED. The unexpected arrival at Auckland of the British gunboat Torch for an indefinite period, coupled with the message . from London stating that allegations have ..been made in regard to the vessel's seaworthy condition, have aroused some curiosity. In replying to a question in the House of . Commons last week Mr. Winston Churchill (First Lord of the Admiralty) said that according to the Admiralty order the Torch ought to have been thoroughly inspected, but this had not been done, and there was, he said, no _ question of grudging the money for repairs. Commander J. R. Le Hunt© Ward, of the Torch, explained the position yester- . day. Some five or six years ago, he siid. the Torch was pasted to the reserve 'at Sydney, but the work of: overhauling the vessel was put off-from -year to year, with the intention of making -a thorough survey and report when oppoitunity< offered. No mention of the Torch, however, was made in the Estimates. Instructions by cable ■were then received from Homo to the' effect that the Torch was to be re-com-missioned, and . the warship was docked, but there was only time for a. hurried adjustment of machinery and repairs which were absolutely necessary. In the early part of last year the Torch left Sydney for tho Islands, and when-near the end of her long voyage she lost her propeller, and was subsequent! v towed back to Sydney by H.M.S. Psyche. The accident to the Torch necessitated a full report being furnished, and as a result, an inquiry is to be held regarding the vessel's condition when she put to sea from Sydney. The inquiry will probably be held in Australia. Since the accident occurred the Torch has been thoroughly overhauled, and extensive alterations and" repairs .-have been carried out. She is now regarded as seaworthy. The vessel arrived at Auckland on Wednesday afternoon last from Fiji, and ia awaiting instructions from Sydney.