VICTUALLINGS LINER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3690, 13 September 1927, Page 4

VICTUALLINGS LINER.

WHAT THE STOREROOMS CONTAIN.

The victualling of a modern liner such as the Aorangi is no easy task. This is an age of luxuries, and the sea traveller of to-day is not prepared to sacrifice anything in the way of comfort merely because he temporarily exchanges his bed for a hunk on shipboard. He demands attention, and must have no cause, for complaint. His meals must he such as to satisfy the most epicurean taste, and it is in satisfaction of this demand that the provender department of any large ship plays such a responsible part.

Few people realise what endless detail confronts the chief steward of any large passenger ship, especially if it he engaged in long voyages. It would, perhaps, surprise many to know that nearlv 140,000 meals are served on the Aorangi on a single voyage from Auckland to Vancouver and back. This figure does not allow for the numerous small repasts between the recognised three meals a day. It can readily be seen from this that great stocks of foodstuffs are required, even for one round trip. Fresh bread must be made daily in the bakery, and for this,, purpose the liner has a supply of 32,0001b5. of flour on leaving Auckland. Butter has to be placed on this bread, and so the ship carries a stock of 6,OOOlbs. The invention of the refrigerator has enabled perishable foods to be carried in large quantities and without fear of them becoming unfit for use. The Aorangi takes 9600-lbs of ice from Auckland, but this is not primarily for use in keeping stores cool. It usually finds its way into cool drinks.

The storerooms of the Aorangi are a revelation.' In them is placed enough food of all descriptions, both perishable and tinned, to feed over 1000 souls every day for about 40 days. That this composite township is most particular in its tastes is evident from the variety of provisions. Besides great stores of delicacies, the Aorangi will carry about 73,0001bs of meat for the round trip from Auckland, in addition to 37001bs of bacon, 29301bs of preserves, 11251bs of tea, and 35 tons of potatoes, 3150 dozen eggs, 6450 gallons of milk, 84901bs of sugar, 3751bs of coffee, 1820 hams, 1570 tins of fruit, 700 tins of milk, and 465 tins of tart fruits.

About £2120 is spent in general groceries for a trip, £1590 in poultry, £72 in vegetables and £42 in fruit. Little that is asked for cannot be supplied on the liner of today. The Aorangi carries a stock of wines valued at about £6OOO, and there are few brands that do not have to be replaced entirely at the end of a round trip.