H.M.S. TORCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 9 November 1912, Page 5

H.M.S. TORCH.

THE .COMMANDER'S EXPLANATION. {By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Last Night. -Commander Le - Hunto Ward, of 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 be turned into a hulk. Those responsible had postponed the overhauling of the vessel from year to year. This was winked at by the official eye, with the result that when instructions were cabled for tho Torch to be recommissioned to replace the Pegasus in the Friendly Islands, there was consternation in New Sonth Wales naval circles. The; Torch was certainly, docked, bnt only in time for a hurried adjustment of her machinery and to effect repairs which were absolutely necessary. At the beginning of last year, the Torch, left Sydney and proceeded fo the Islands. All went well until nearing the end of the 1700-mile tour, when tbo propellor shaft snanped. She was towed to Sydney by H.M.S . Phyebe. This necessitated a full report, on the vessel's condition, and $$ a rosnH. an -inquiry is to be held regarding the condition of the vessel when rfw ptrfc to sea from Sydney. Commander Ward is of opinion tihat the inquiry will be held in Australia. ThevesseT has now been thoroughly overhauled.