TRANSFORMING FOR THE VOYAGE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160641, 3 May 1920, Page 6

TRANSFORMING FOR THE VOYAGE

WHERE THE FRENCH LIVES.

Various alterations have been made for the tour. But the ship remains a fighting ship in every sense. Additional accommodation was needed for the Prince, his staff, and the retinue.

Decks of thick wood have been laid over the action decks of steel, and forward H.M.S. Renown has a great expanse of deck epace, which is very useful for any large assembly of tho ship’s company—numbering about 1200 —such as the Sunday service. FEATURES OP INTEREST. Amidships and on the main deck exterior interest, of course, centres round the quarters occupied by the Prince of Wales and his staff, indicated by casement curtains of a light goldechuod linen. But it, is not yet time to descend to look at the interior, as there are otbeq features of interest on this deck. So we go on and we go up. Going on we soon come to an interesting-looking arrangement of electric light bulbs attached to a maze of stout rope. This, when stretched into position between the funnel and tho mainmast, will reveal the device of the Prince of Wales’ feathers. This will be a highly effective feature of the ship at night, when it is ablaze of light. The feathers are white; coloured lights are introduced at the base, where the stems are clustered together.

On the other side of the deck an object of particular interest is a motor barge—a regal-looking craft of Royal blue, with a band of gold, and a highly burnished brass funnel. In this the Prince will make landings when the ship lies in harbour. It occupies a good deal of deck-room and quite eclipses in importance another motorlaunch for the ship’s officers.

Still on and up—the searchlight ap>paniras arrests attention, and a still further little ascent brings one to the bridge and the captain’s quarters. Yet again further up, to a small canvas-surrounded platform— a lookout, put there for the Prince. A secluded spot, commanding au uninterrupted outlook. Of course the Renown has her wireless, and is equipped for her own news-print. From the quarterdeck a largo gun has been removed, and in the enclosed space -above the mount the band will perform. r*lt is to be the band of the Plymouth division Royal Marine Light Infantry, with Lieutenant O’Donnell as conductor, and it went with the Renown on her Canadian tour. The band enclosure has been built up, so that it comes partly over the Prince’s dining saloon and his lounge. Therefore there will be as much music in the near distance as may be desired.

THE CENTRE OP ATTRACTION,

Down the companion and eo to the interior of the Prince’s quarters, passing by the cabins of Lord Louis Mountbatten, Sir Godfrey Thomas, and Sir L. Halsey. Principal interest naturally centres in this after-part of the superstructure. Anyone who anticipates being .transported to luxurious surroundings will experience a thrill of surprise For everything is as simple as possible, and absolutely without ostentation.

THE PRINCE’S QUARTERS,

One exit leads into the Prince’s sleeping quarters—a not at all over-capacious compartment—white and , gold, the walls being finished with attractive little colour drawings. At the side of the bed is a telephone; in the space enamel drawers, with brass handles, beneath it there is a set of white Thera is evidence, too, of intended work, for the first piece of furniture that faces you on entering is a desk. Another desk—roll-top and painted white—hides behind a screen of black and gold in the saloon lounge—a roomyapartment leading from the dining saloon. It is said that the Prince is never idle, and that both desks will give good reason for the space they take.

The lounge is a comfortable room, but again the furniture is as simple as possible. The comfortable chairs and settees are covered with dove-grey linen, with a small self-tone design, and the casements match. There are two handsome electric table lamps with dark standards, but that the Prince has an eye for brilliant colour splashes may be gauged from the wondrous ao cumlation of gay-hued silk cushions, piled casually upon the setteas in happy confusion. Bright and attractive, yet not luxurious. Battle pictures of St. Vincent and Trafalgar occupy the walls of the kmnge, and there is a second screen of black and gold. It is over this apartment that the band plays.

Down below, in the stem bulkhead, there is a small chapel. The ship's chaplain is the Rev. W. P. Scott, 8.N., who has served all through the war. He was present at the loss of H.M.S. Bulwark, by explosion, in the English Channel, in 1914, and in H.MR, Formidable when the was torpedoed in 1914. At the Dardanelles, in 1915, he came in contact with many New Zealanders and Australians, and he remained on the penisula until the evacuation in 1916.