A FLOATING HOSPITAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1941, Page 6

A FLOATING HOSPITAL

TRANSFORMING THE MAUNGANUI WORK WELL ADVANCED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. When the former passenger liner Maunganui puts to sea she will be a floating hospital thoroughly up-to-date in every way, and fully equipped wish the latest medical and surgical appliances. The- work of converting the vessel has so far advanced that the Maunganui is expected to take the water in a matter of weeks in readiness to carry New Zealand casualties and convalescents to this country from various war theatres. The task of refitting this historic ship involved the complete stripping and remodelling of the interior in the most economical and serviceable manner for its particular needs. The graceful lines familiar to those who have travelled across the Tasman in the old ship arc no longer recognisable. Timber is strewn everywhere and carpenters are busysawing and hammering and welding lamps bite on stubborn steel and a maze of electric wiring hangs from the ceilings throughout the whole vessel. Cn the- B deck an operating.block is taking shape. This wing will contain everything necessary for an equivalent department in a modern hospital. Further aft on the same deck are recreation rooms for officers, men and nurses while near the stern plant is about to be installed for a complete laundry. The C deck is being devoted mainly to wards. The cabins have been ripped out and the newly built main dining room will be the main ward. The ship will accommodate 380 patients.