CONSTRUCTION WORK HOLIDAY FEAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 8, 10 January 1946, Page 6

CONSTRUCTION WORK HOLIDAY FEAT

FITTING OF TWO CRAFT TO CARRY JAPS HOME

(P A.) Wellington, Jan. 9. A remarkable feat in construction work was achieved through the initiative and enterprise of three State departments in the holiday period, said the acting Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, to-day, in paying tribute to the workmen and the departments concerned in fitting out the two United States L.S.T.'s (tank landing craft) for repatriation of Japanese prisoners. Mr. Nash said a large Wellington firm had advised on the morning of Thursday, December 20, that, it was unable to proceed with the work. The Marine Department enlisted the help of the Public Works ana Tost and Telegraph Departments, and the Wellington Master Builders' Association. On Friday. December 21, 100 men of all trades began work, and by 5 p.m. on Monday, Christmas Eve, the erection of 275 berths on one ship and 257 on the other had been completed. By Friday, December 28, the fitting out of special equipment tor the hospital was also finished, and the prisoners were embarked on Sunday, December 30. The hundred workers did not let up throughout the holiday p’.'t&d until the work was finished.