A TRAVELLER'S LAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4509, 2 September 1875, Page 2

A TRAVELLER'S LAMENT.

TO THE EDITOR OF TIIE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sib,—As one of the traveUing public will you kindlv allow me sufficient space to draw attention to the very defective arrangements for the comfort of passengers on board the s.s. Albion. We left Melbourne on Sunday afternoon, the 22nd August, and experienced heavy weather throughout the trip. The saloon being crowded and containing a large number of very sick persons, those who were able to do so would naturally have sought refuge on deck, had there been any protection from the weather ; but, with the exception of a little canvas place, the sides and roof of -which were always saturated with water, and which was destitute of even a single seat, there was no shelter from wind and sea. This awning, by the way, is made to do duty as bathroom and smoking-room, but being only about seven square and occasionally up to one's knees m water, it is needless to say that it is practically useless, The ship was loaded deep, but not content with this there wore several hundred cases of fruit stored on the poop near the wheel, so that there was no room for cabin passengers to walk about, oven in the intervals of more moderate weather. As further illustrative of the way in which comfort seems to be ignored, it may be noticed that the customary hand-rail on the deckhouse (port side) is wanting, and passengers often get nasty knocks in consequence. Persons who are in the habit of travelling by woll-appointed steamers will be surprised to learn that such items as eggs, cocoa, and chocolate are not to bo had on board. The wine list is oxcessively high, being fully 50 per cent, above the P. and O. tariff, although the Albion is on this trip equally exempt from Customs duties; soda water and lemonade were not to be had at any price. Tho water-closets were very offensive, and there is one convenience for gentleman passengers singularly remarkable by its absence. I should like before closing my letter to record a plea for the man at the wheel. He occupies a post of responsibility, and is entitled to some protection from wind, sea, and rain. It may be remarked that in the most modern boats shelter is provided for the steersman. Surelysimilar contrivances might be arranged on board older boats.—l am, &c, Visitor. Wellington, September 1.