TRANSPORT CHUPRA.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1919, Page 4

TRANSPORT CHUPRA.

particulars of voyage

[VIiK PEEKS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT, j

CHRISTCHURCH, July 28. 1

The transport Chupra left Tilbury Docks on J une 8 and had a fairly good trip until Port said was reached. The next port of call was Colombo, and when about half way across the Indian Ocean the vessel ran into a monsoon, and all on board had a failly bad time for three days.

The Chupra is a vessel of about 6000 tons, belonging to the British Indian Company, and possesses no refrigerator space. This fact was given as a reason why she came out via Suez, instead of tlirough Panama Caul. •‘They are the most contented and best behaved lot of men I over bad anything to do with,” said Major ,T. Evans, M. 0., Officer Commanding the troops on Board. “This vessel is most unsuitable for a troopship, as there is practically no deck space, but the men made the most of their time, and contrived to get a good deal of pleasure out of the voyage.”

There was no sickness on board, and the food was stated to have been good from London to Port Said, and from Colombo to New Zealand, but between Port Said and Colombo the meat was affected l>y the heat and the men could not. eat it. Apart from this, the men had no complaints to make, except that they did not like the way they were cooped up, with practically no opportunity of getting any exercise.

N.C.O.’S CLAIM COMPENSATION CHRISTCHURCH, July 26.

The quarters and accommodation on the troopship Chupra were such that the N.C.O.’s numbering 64, are forwarding petitions to the Minister of Defence and General Richardson, asking that in consideration of the conditions under which the sergeants were placed on hoard tho boat, each member of tile mess should receive a sum of money representing the difference between the charge for second and third-class passage .

TROOPSHIPS EN ROUTE. WELLINGTON, July 28.

News of the departure from Egypt of New Zealand troops who have been on service in that theatre was received by tho Defence Department as follows: The steamship Llenga left Suez on 23rd. July with 1105 men and eleven women and children. Tho vessel is due to reach tho Dominion about tlip 28th (August. This draft practically completes tlie return of men from Egypt. Those remaining there now comprise only three officers and about 17 other ranks. The transport Port Hacking, which was scheduled do reach Lyttelton on the 14th August, has reported at Colon and her date of ait i vat at southern ports is set for 16th. August.