WAHINE’S WAR WORK.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 April 1919, Page 5

WAHINE’S WAR WORK.

MAILS AND MINE LAYING.

DISTINGUISHED WAR RECORD

The work of the steamer Wahine, formerly in the Lyttelton-Wellingtc , service, during the war, is described by Engineer-Commander Low, D.S_O., in an interesting letter just received. “You perhaps have not been aware of the nature of the work in which the Wahine has been engaged.” he says, “When we first came home we were sent out as Fleet messenger, and carried the mails, etc., every week from Malta to Mudros for the New Zealand and other troops, who were at that time fighting at Gallipoli. Wc became quite a famous ship, never missing a trip. You know how everyone longs for a letter from home, and it was quite a sight when the Wahine poked, her nose round the harbour entrance at Mudros to see tall the steam launches. etc., coming for their mail ,and at that time as many as 200 to 300 ' ships wore static Jed there from the largest (the Britannic) to the smallest

“After the evacuation had heeii completed we came back to England and were there converted into a"xh!nelayer, and I might say at this also the Wahine has a splendid record, her total number of operations being ahead of any other snip in the minelayer kquadronl by 310. We havtej been engaged in this work for two and a-half years, and I can assure you we are thankful to think that we have come through it safely. “At present the Admiralty has decided to take the (Wallinc over altogether, so that I do not think you will again have the chance of seeing her. and I very much regret that we arc not- able to bring the ship hack to New Zealand, There are now only four of the original officers left in the ship, all New Zealanders.’ ’