SECOND HOSPITAL SHIP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 19, 21 September 1915, Page 4

SECOND HOSPITAL SHIP.

Per, Press lAssooiatton, i Wellington, September 20. The Governor to-night makes an appeal to people for donations of furnishings, surgical requirements, , etc., to fit out the second New Zealand hospita) ship. Communications have been received to the effect that the < Mahepo has proved of the . greatest.,, assistance in attending to the needs of the sick and wounded,, and that in the course of | eight days more than , two-thousand teases ■ were* dealt ‘with. Having regard to this testimony to the value of the Maheno, and the increasing number- of sick and wounded. the New Zealand Government fwitb -.the advice of the Imperial, authorities, who state that an additional shin will he a real help and will be welcomed! has decided to fit out and despatch a second hosnital shin, ■w'th the least nossihle delav, Tks, Governor invites Hie po-n-neration ef the Mayors of chief centres and all others willing to assist in equipping the vessel, the hire" of which and cost of fitting up will he paid b v the Gov-

ernment. When the House met the Minister ol Defence said that members would all have heard of the good work done * hy the Maheno. Since her arrival at Gallipoli she had been constantly engaged carrying wounded from the centre of fighting, and in view of her splendid service the Government had

lelt it to be their duty to offer Another hospital slftp to the Imperial authorities. Accordingly the Mamma had heen chartered, and would sail in the first week in December. The arrangements would be the same as in the case of the Maheno. The Government would bear the cost of hire and fitting-up, while the Governor would do the other part out nf moneys available. The House would agree that it was wise to do this work, and they wore fortunate in getting such a fine ship for the purpose. He hoped the fine record of the Maheno would be kent tin bv the Mamma. / The Minister of Defence states that the Mamma would provide beds. nompared with Sol on the Maheno. Tim sine bad been chartered already, -nd would proceed to Port Chalmers f°i attention and fitting as soon as she returned to Xew Zealand. It was possible the Mamma would relieve the Maheno. enabling that vessel to return to Xew Zealand for refitting. If that arrangement were made the Maheno would proceed first to England and collect wounded Xew Zealanders from British hospitals. There were some among the wounded .™ uld "ot well he brought to the Dominion on a transport, as they • reouired the special comforts that only a hospital ship could provide.