STATEMENTS REFUTED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 1

STATEMENTS REFUTED.

CONDITION OF MARAROA. , At the invitation of tho Union Company AY cilington Press representatives made a visit to the Mararoa on Tuesday, for the purpose of seeing for themselves whether tliero was any truth in tho statement made at the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce to the effect that the vessel was dirty and smelly. Tim ‘‘New Zealand Times’’ report of tiie visit states that the complaint was found to l>c without foundation. It was noticed that tho vessel was spick and span, also that the lavatory aeconimodatiem was ih© usual class which is found on all passenger steamor.s, and was in first-class order. "With regard to the bathrooms often being awash, it was observed that they are fitted with the usual scuppers to take away any overflow. hi addition, it was ascertained that a steward is always oil duty at the bathrooms t*> see that they are kept clean. Tho stewards on th© Wellington-Lyttoltou ferry service, it was stated, hare, in most cases, been on tho ships for years, and arc noted for their cleaniiTho report in the “Dominion” states that their reporter found the bathrooms and lavatory aocommodaall parts of the vessel exhibited marked cleanliness, both in the saloon and steerage quarters. The chief steward stated that a bathroom steward was constantly employed to men up any wet after each, passenger had used tho bathroom, and a continuous watch was maintained to keep the lavatories clean. It would he possible- for a passenger to enter a bathroom immediately after another, before the stew aril could mop up/ nnv water. On a rough voyage- sickness among ibe passengers might account for temporary nncleanliness in any part of the vessel, but no complaints of such had reached the chief steward. The secretary of tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce plso inspected the Mararoa- and expressed himself well pleased with her genera] cleanliness.