THE JOYS OF TRAVELLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2400, 15 January 1909, Page 2

THE JOYS OF TRAVELLING.

BLUE ANCHOR LINE

A MAMMOTH STEAMER

To those Avho contemplate ocean travelling the following particulars of the latest addition- to Lund’s Blue Anchor Fleet—the AVaratah, of 9300 tons —sailing between Australia and London, Avill be interesting:— The AVaratah is classed 100A1 at Lloyd’s, and her principal dimensions are—length 430 ft, breath 59ft, and depth 38ft. She is divided into seven watertight compartments, and has a cellular double bottom extending practical!y the Avhole length. In order to ensure the greatest amount of comfort in heavy seas the A r essel is fitted with bilge keels, as are all the other ships of that fleet.

FIRST AND THIRD-CLASS PASSENGERS.

The new A r essol caters for the conveyance of first and third-class passengers. No first saloon cabins are situated lower than the bridge deck, so that passengers arc able practically at all-times to have their cabin ports or wincloAvs open. On this deck there are 24, cabins, each containing two sleeping berths and a long sofa, fitted Avltlx a spring mattress, and there are also tAVo exceptionally large four-berth cabins (each, with a sofa in addition), suitable for families. At the forward end of tie bridge deck is placed the dining saloon, which is a fine .apartment, capable of seating 100 passengers, and a large number of tables are arranged on the restaurant system.

THE FIRST OCEAN NURSERY. Next to the family cabins on this deck is a good-sized nursery, so that for the first time on steamers trading to Australia, via, South Africa, the children Avill have..a place .of their OAvn. At the after end of the bridge deck, accessible to both first aml third-class passengers, is the doctor’s surgery and the purser’s office. Ascending to the promenade deck there is a large lobby, at the forward end of which there* -is tho draAving-room, containing piano, four Avriting tables, and lounges. This room is lighted by means of large square windows and a dome from the boat deck above, which runs through the dining saloon below. COMFORT FOR TRAVELLERS.

Right- at the after end of this, deck is n recessed lounge, fitted with tables, and hero the passengers obtain perfect shelter whilst at the same time being able to sit out in the open. On the after end of the boat deck is a spacious smoking-ropiu, panelled in oak, Avith skybeard overhead, and Containing Avriting and card tables, and a bar. Outside this room is another open-air lounge with tables. The forward-end of the boat deck is reserved for passengers, in addition to the promenade deck. On this deck are also arranged the captain’s ancl navigating olficers’ cabins, and above is the nagivating bridge, at a height of about 50ft above sea level. Every saloon cabin for more than one passenger contains a chest oi dnuvers. a large wardrobe for ladies’ dresses, in addition to patent washbasin. boot-loelcer, and (Ira Avers underneath the ,sofas.

A LUXURIOUS STEERAGE. In the after part, situated on the urwor and main clocks, is aceommodatoin for 300 third-class passengers, in cabins, arranged Avith tAA'o, four, six. and eight berths. On the upper deck is a comfortable dining saloon extending the full breadth of the vessel, fitted aa-itli revolving chairs, ancl at the latter end of the deck and completely cut oil from the cabins are five bathrooms and lavatory accommodation. Above the upper deck is a promenade reserved exclusively for . thirdclass passengers, and a further promenade is provided on tlie boat deck overhead. Also on the promenade clock are fouud the smoking-room and the ladies’ lounge. A piano is fitted in the dining-room for the use of third-class passengers. THE HOSPITAL. The Waratah is fitted Avitli ample hospital accommodation". Two or more stewardesses are carried to attend to the requirements of the ladies. The ship is lighted by electricity throughout, and all the saloou cabins and public apartments are fitted with electric bells. The steamer is fitted Avith t\yo sets of quadruple expansion engines, balanced to ensure little or no vibration. They are of great- power, capable of driving the ship at a high speed. The most up-to-date refrigerating plant is fitted, so that all on board are provided Avith fresh provisions, vegetables, fruit, etc., throughout the voyage. ENORMOUS CARGO SPACE. The Waratali lias close upon 15,000 toils of space for the carriage of coal and general refrigerated cargo, and to cleat Av-ith this tremendous quantity the ship is fitted Avitli the most perfect appliances, ensuring tho quickest possible delivery to merchants. Commander Ilbery, the commodore of the fleet, is in command.