FLOATING PALACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26241, 27 August 1946, Page 5

FLOATING PALACE

TOE QUEEN ELIZABETH GIANT LINER REFITTED TRIUMPH OF WORKMANSHIP (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 26. Whether the Queen Elizabeth will establish a speed record when she sets out from Southampton on October 16. on her first Atlantic crossing as a passenger ship, is now r being debated. This giant 83,673-tonner has been undergoing restoration from a trooper for the past six months, and she will be completely re-equipped by the time she goes on her trials on October 1. “This is the wrong time of the year to break records,” said her captain, Commodore Sir James Bissett, “ but I think it is possible that she will equal the Queen Mary’s record of 31.69 knots. During the war the Queen Elizabeth averaged 30 knots, except on one occasion when there was an explosion near us, and we had to make a spurt. Then, for a few hours, we did 31 knots. Anyway, my instructions are to take my passengers to New York and back as quickly and safely as possible.” During the war the Queen Elizabeth transported 800,000 troops. Sometimes she carried as many as 15,700 troops on one voyage. She will have accommodation for 2315 passengers. Accent is on luxury in restoring her as a passenger liner. The decorative features include unique veneers and woods. The captain’s rooip is lined with elm obtained from piles driven under the old Waterloo Bridge in 1811. Costly Finishings One comment on her is that she is no longer a ship, but has taken on the aspect of a luxury neighbourhood unit. The general effect is of a hard cocktail bar beauty which would not suit all tastes, but much of her polished light wood and tinted leather panelling, her glass, metal and inlaid wood decoration, her bronze statua"y and luxurious furnishings are a superb example of the craftsman’s skill and

the artist’s inspiration. The ship is a monument to British craftsmanship, and the luxury of her appearance is rivalled by the comfort provided. The amenities offered are far beyond anything to be found in a landbound community of similar size. They include two swimming pools like Hollywood’s idea of ancient Rome. Gymnasiums equipped with fearsome apparatus, deck tennis and squash courts, a ballroom, a cinema and a library to which can be added seemingly innumerable bars, lounges and restaurants; a children’s playroom and a well-equipped hospital dispensary and operating theatre are among the services. High Earning Power Each time the Queen Elizabeth crosses to America she will earn £250,000 in passenger fares—and each time she returns 1,000,000 dollars. So many Americans want to come to Britain in her that from the date of her maiden voyage until next January she is booked up. The minimum single fare is £9O.