IN MINE-SWEEPERS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21226, 24 September 1940, Page 7

IN MINE-SWEEPERS

OFFICERS IN COMMAND SEVERAL NEW ZEALANDERS “ BEAUTIFUL LITTLE SHIPS ” (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Tuesday “ I am sure you will be pleased to hear of the New Zealand officers’ good fortune in getting commands immediately,” writes Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Hilliard, N.Z.R.N.V.R., son of Mr H. N. Hilliard, of Auckland, who left for England with a detachment of other officers some time ago. “Taylor, Newman, Connolly, Smyth, Bridson, Harding, Phipps, Palmer, Tidswell and myself all have commands. “ Our ships are brand new and suited only for mine-sweeping,” he continues. “ They are be'autiful little ships of 700 tons, with a single screw and a rather high forecastle, which makes them a bit difficult to manoeuvre, but after getting used to them we shall be quite all right. We are naturally delighted to get such ships.” Study of Comfort “ The accommodation is first-class,” the writer adds. “ The bridge is totally enclosed and has three decks, the la.st deck containing two cabins. Mine is approximately 10ft. by 9ft., with a built-in bunk and wardrobes, hot and cold water, writing desk, bathroom, and in fact everything has been studied for comfort as much as possible. The other cabin is similar, but smaller. “ Down below aft there is a bathroom, and going down a hatch opens on to a flat, one side of which contains two well-equipped cabins,” the letter states. “ On the other side there is a wardroom, about 15ft. by 10ft., containing table and chairs, coal stove and a pneumatic-cushioned settee.”