THE TORCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 148, 9 November 1912, Page 5

THE TORCH.

A FRANK STATEMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association, Auckland, Last Night. Commander Le Hunte Ward, of the H.M.S. Torch, interviewed regarding the statements cabled concerning the vessel, said that when the Torch was posted to the reserve at Sydney five or six years ago it was generally understood that she would lie turned into a hulk. Those responsible postponed overhauling the vessel from year to year. This was winked at by the official eye with the result that when instructions were cabled that the Torch was to be reeommissioned to replace the Pegasus in Friendly islands there was consternation in N.S. Wales naval circles. The Torch was certainly docked, but there was only time for a hurried adjustment of her machinery and effect the repairs absolutely necessary. At the beginning of last year the torch, left Sydney and proceeded to the islands. All wont well until Hearing the end of a 1700 miles tour, when the propeller shaft snapped. She was towed to Sydney hv H.M.S. Psycho. This necessitated a full report on the vessel's condition, and as aresult an inquiry is to be held regarding the condition of the vessel when she put to sea from Sydney. Commander Ward is of opinion that the inquiry will be held m Australia. The vessel has now been thoroughly, overhauled.