TRAVELLING IN STYLE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 35, 23 February 1940, Page 3

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

By 23/762

could be bought from the canteens on the troopships which carried the First Echelon to Egypt. Each vessel had its swimming bath; one of them had two such shipboard luxuries. There were automatic telephone services on all but one ship; beautifully decorated and appointed lounges and smoke and dining rooms, and soft, downy beds; there were motion pictures for an evening’s entertainment; there were sun-decks and beauty salons (which were closed down for the duration). These are only some of the delights of a modern luxury liner, now made available for the use of the soldiers. For the first time in history our men travelled almost as ordinary passengers. Except for military discipline and the necessary demands of army routine, the officers and men on the first troopships in this war were transported to Egypt like civilians in uniform. It is all part of the conduct of the modern army. No longer is it necessary to pack soldiers like sardines. When the men of New Zealand’s first Expeditionary Force sailed for Egypt space on the troopships was at a premium, for the vessels were small compared with those of to-day. Every available inch was utilised for extra bunk space. There was little comfort, and for those who went to the South African war even less, I have been told. Recalling my own experiences when I sailed on the Maunganui early in 1915, I remember that we were a very thickly populated ship. Our lounges were the decks. Swimming pools were unknown, except for temporary affairs of canvas rigged up on the decks. We could buy neither ice cream nor beer. We had no picture shows, except for the sunsets, the star-dusted nights, and the eternal wastes of the Indian Ocean. Great Modern Liners This time great modern liners carried our men over the same stretches of ocean -some of them only a few months ago engaged in the tourist trade to all the famous corners of the world; one was. a British troopship built specially for the transport of troops to India and the East. On that vessel some of the men slept on hammocks, but on the others they enjoyed the customary accommodation of saloon and tourist passengers; wardrobes in which electric lights snapped on and off with the opening of the door; electric fans to temper the air, and telephones for an occasional chat. On the sun and promenade decks, such a feature of the modern passenger cruiser, they drilled in comfort or took the air when duty was done. These modern ships are all airconditioned and fitted with refrigerators, hence the possibility of ice-cream. The flagship of the convoy was a famous liner of 23,371 tons. Famous artists designed and decorated her lounges, state-rooms, and dining saloons, from beer to ice cream

with the result that she is one of the most beautifully appointed ships ever seen in New Zealand, renowned for her spacious decks and general comfort. Of these fine ships, the most interesting, perhaps, was a liner built to carry emigrants, so that particular attention had been paid to her tourist accommodation, She had cabins for only 44 firstclass passengers, but she had two swimming pools, an automatic telephone system throughout, Thermotank airconditioning, heating and ventilation, motor lifeboats, hairdressing saloon, cocktail bars, and all the other amenities not usually associated with transports. She had refrigerators for the ship’s use, and in the double bottom she carried fuel, fresh water, and water ballast. Other ships in the convoy were typical of the modern luxury liner, with their swimming pools, gaily decorated cocktail bars. and lounges, telephone services; and spacious sun-decks and tennis courts. Few alterations have been made to them. The installation of extra showers and bathrooms was. the only noticeable change. As the whole voyage, after leaving New Zealand, was made in increasing heat, the men would be able to take full advantage of the comforts provided, including the swimming pools and the spacious decks.