THE ARAWA’S IMMIGRANTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19957, 26 November 1926, Page 8

THE ARAWA’S IMMIGRANTS.

A CHORUS OF COMPLAINTS. DISSATISFIED WITH ACCOMMODATION. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, November 25. A chorus of complaints was made by some of the big batches of immigrants which arrived by the steamer Arawa_ this morning from, Liverpool, and the opinion was expressed in pointed terms that the arrangements made for the carrying of the immigrant portion of the passengers left a lot to be desired. One of the new orrivals said that part of the ship where they were located was cramped, smelly, and overcrowded, and that the arrangements for washing and sanitation were inadequate. Among the passengers was an Australian, who said that much better provision was made by the Commonwealth Government line of steamers for the convenience of immigrants, and he considered that it was the duty of the New Zealand Government to see that some improvement was effected. From a look round the Arawa this morning, one gathered that the stern end of the' ship below decks could scarcely be described as a floating palace, the internal arrangements certainly being on very plain and homely lines. In a comparatively small space cabins were formed by partitions that did not reach quite to the roof, and six bunks were arranged round the sides in the approved above and below sea fashion. The immigrants complained that the bunks were narrow and uncomfortable, but it was on the score of congestion that they had the most unfavourable comment to make. One of the new arrivals had evidently taken a humorous view of ths matter but he added that it was a bit disquieting when out of five room mates four snored loudly in keys, while the other had the habit of whistling in his sleep. In regard to food supplies on board, passengers considered that it was good in quality, despite the fact that the menu was monotonous, but the cooking was not highly praised. On the other hand, the immigrants speak in glowing terms of the work of the officers and stewards, and say that one and all did their utmost to make the voyage pleasant.