SECOND HOSPITAL SHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 September 1915, Page 6

SECOND HOSPITAL SHIP.

PROVISION FOR THE MARAMA. The provision of a second New Zealand Hospital Ship has been decided on, and His Excellency the Governor has forwarded the following communication for publication:— Communications have recently been received to the effect that the Maheno has proved to be of the greatest assistance in attending to the needs of the sick and wounded, and that in the course of her valuable work over two thousand cases have been dealt with in a space of eight days. Taking into consideration this testimony to the value of the Maheno, and the increasing demand for the treatment and conveyance of sick and wounded, the New Zealand Government, with the advice of the Imperial authorities, who state that an additional ship would be a real and substantial help, and would be eagerly welcomed, have decided to fit out and despatch a second hospital ship with the least possible delay.

In view of this, it i= proposed to equip the new vessel on the same lines as the Maheno, and with regard to the question of gifts, in kind, I desire to make a further appeal to the generosity of the people of New Zealand for the under-mentioned articles on behalf of the new ship:— 2000 feather pillows to fit pillow slips of size given below. 3000 sheets (two yards by three yards). 2000 draw sheets. 3000 pillow slips (twenty-one inches by thirty-two inches). 1200 quilts (bolton sheeting). 2000 bath towels. COO water bottles and covers. 5000 face and hand towels. 3000 pairs of pyjamas. 1200 nightingales. 1000 nightshirts. 2000 dayshirts (flannel). 2000 undervests (not thick). 2000 bed socks. 1000 pairs felt slippers. 1600 pairs of dav socks (knitted). 2000 face wash cloths. 6000 handkerchiefs (large). 1000 flannel drawers (not too thick). 1000 flannel dressing-gowns. 1000 flannel waistcoats (without sleeves). 30 gross of various buttons. 600 hair cimbs and 600 hair brushes. 750 reels of cotton thread (black), and 750 reels of cotton thread (white). 100 packets of needles (various). 250 pieces of tape (black) and 250 pieces of tape (white). '

200 pounds worsted (various), in onequarter pound packets (twenty pounds equals thirty pieces). 50 sets of shoe brushes (patterns 15 to 17, various assorted). 1500.tooth brushes and 1500 tins tooth powder. 400 deck chairs

1000 cushions. 1000 mufflers. 1000 balaclavas. An unlimited number of surgical towels and bandages of calico, gauze, crepe velpeau, crepo fardar, flannel, many-tailed. Two additional motor-launches are also required up to 10 horse-power, 28 feet long, 7 feet 6 inches or 9 feet beam. Particulars can be obtained horn Briga-dier-General A. W. Robin, C.8.C.M.G., Defence Office, Wellington.

I have purposely blankets and rugs from the'above list, owing to their being somewhat costly, and I propose to purchase the requisite number out of the funds already at my disposal. While old linen is, I understand, very useful in hospitals, I am advised that only new linen should be placed on the hospital ship. I am prepared to receive communications from the Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christcliurch, and Dunedin (who, it is understood, will in certain cases be asked to act for outlying district?!, and also from the four centres of (he Order of St. John. Where this, however, is not practicable, I should like all communications to pass through local mayors: but I hope, owing to the great amount of work which will fall upon me prior to the dispatch of the ship, that associations will band themselves together in order that matters may be expedited. All cases of goods, with a list of tl: ' contents in the top of each, should lie addressed to "His Excellency the Governor, Government House, Wellington,'' but I should like to be advised prior to their dispatch through 'the channels mentioned above. In the case of Wellington, other arrangements will he made. The advice should state clearly the number'of articles, from where sent. and when dispatched. I should be glad to receive any contributions of the above articles as' soon a? possible, and not later than November 10, in order to allow time for anv further articles if needed, to be purchased. It is partieularlv requested that owing to the time available, the various articles contributed should be packed in separate cases as far as possible, so that ihrstorekecper on the ship will knoy; which eases contain pyjamas, which bath towels, which face towels, etc., etc., and would thus be able to at once lay hi« hand on any article required. It will be noticed that the public liav been asked to contribute foods in kind which are most readily available. The cost of surgical instruments, drugs, etc.! will be met out of the money already in hand, as it is absolutely essential that the medical officer in charge of the ship should personally supervise and select these stores.

■Should I here l>c any sm-|>lu* articles after completing tin? rrjni>:in-—; they will be utilised for Hi" bonefil i.f New Zealand sick and wounded wherever rerun red. The (iovowmont is providing for the hire of and oil costs of fitting up and maintaining the hospital ship "in evenrespect, including wards, bedsteads, operating rooms, laundries, bakeries, wash-houses, etc.