ARMED MERCHANTMAN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1138, 26 August 1913, Page 4

ARMED MERCHANTMAN.

FIRST TO ARRIVE IN NEW

ZEALAND

The New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamer Rotorua, which arrived at Wellington from London last week enjoys the distinction of being the first armed merchant vessel to enter a New Zealand port. Only one vessel so armed has previously entered an Australian port. In accordance with the arrangement made by the British Admiralty some months ago, the Rotorua is now armed with two 4.7 guns. These are installed in the stern of the steamer, and the projecting muzzles created a great deal of interest to day. The guns, which are mounted on special decking, are painted the usual Admiralty grey colour. ' The carrying of the guns does not involve the carrying of any extra men on the steamer, but eight members of the crew are specially detailed to man them. There are two expert gun-layers, both of whom are ex-naval men. The other six men have been drawn from the Royal Naval Reserve. Gun drill is carried out regularly on the vessel. The guns are capable ot firing eight rounds per minute. The ammunition, is carried in specially constructed magazines, in order to avoid any risk of accident.

The guns, which weigh about two tons each, have a range of about six miles. The projectiles will pierce wrought iron to a thickness of almost nine inches. The idea in the arming of merchantmen is that in time of war they would be liable to be attacked by small gunboats and torpedo craft. It would, ot course, be impossible for every merchant vessel to be protected by the navy, and it is considered that by being equipped with 4.7 guns the steamers will be capable of stalling off attacks by. such vessels as torpedo cralt and small gunboats. The Admiralty pays a small subsidy in consideration of the steamers being equipped with the armament, and in time of wart they would be placed at the disposal ot the Admiralty for the transport of foodstuffs or other services.