CONDITIONS ABOARD ORION

Southland Times, Issue 25835, 21 November 1945, Page 5

CONDITIONS ABOARD ORION

Statement By Minister (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 19. Replying to a question in the House of Commons as to why the Orion was overcrowded and had to return to port the Minister of War Transport, Mr A. Barnes said that trooping capacity had no relation to peacetime capacity. The removal of cabins and the erection of fittings on troop decks greatly increased the accommodation. All ships were - fitted in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Service Departments, in conjuction with the Minister of War Transport.’ These authorities also • agreed on the capacities of ships for voyages west or east of Suez.

There was at present inevitably a great shortage of cabin accommodation and for - this reason the Service Departments, including the Dominions, had agreed as a temporary measure, that officers to the rank of Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, or the equivalent in the other services, might, where necessary, be given accommodation normally provided for non commissioned officers and other ranks. The Orion’s trooping capacity was 5235, but this was reduced to 4676 for voyages east of Suez. The number was

further reduced for this voyage to 3441 to improve conditions on board. An inspection before the Orion sailed reported that the accommodation was satisfactory in all respects. Minor complaints about food were speedily met. It would be two or three weeks before another ship was able to sail. Captain Peter MacDonald (Conservative): Are you aware that many British officers in Burma and the Far East would be very glad of this accommodation

Mr Barnes: I am very well aware of that. MEN TO BE COURTMARTIALLED Seven New Zealand warrant officers and seven flight sergeants, who recently walked off the Orion, are to be courtmartialled. They have been charged with “evading a draft.” The men have already been brought before their commanding officer at Brighton Camp and remanded until a summary of the evidence is taken.

The converted aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Queen is sailing on Saturday from Portsmouth for Sydney with 59 R.N.Z.N.V.R. officers aboard, all of whom are being repatriated. Three more aircraft carriers are being converted for repatriation purposes. It is expected that one will be available in December for taking a larger draft of R.N.Z.N.V.R. officers and also ratings home.