§ 38. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that the Shaw, Savill and Albion steamer" Waimana," used for the purpose of transporting emigrants to New Zealand, is totally unfitted for such a purpose; that, as a cargo vessel adapted to carry between eight and nine hundred passengers, she is not adequately ventilated, that passengers are cramped in six-berth cabins, that only nine baths are provided for passengers, and that the lavatory accommodation affords no privacy, and, in view of these facts, will he, in conjunction with the New Zealand authorities, call for a full inquiry in this regard?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I have been asked to reply. The "Waimana" was thoroughly surveyed before clearance on her present voyage, and complied fully with the Regulations. If the hon. Member will forward to me any specific complaints or statements he may have received, I will have them investigated.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that there was a protest signed by 250 of the passengers on this voyage, complaining that the feeding arrangements and the food were abominable, and that iced water was sold at 2d. per glass before they entered the tropics?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI was not aware of that, but if the hon. and gallant Member will give me the details, I will have them investigated. All I can say is that the ship has complied with the Regulations.
§ Mr. MACKINDERDo the Regulations allow only one bath per 100 passengers?
§ Captain GEEIf the Regulations are such as allow the bad ventilation that existed on this ship, will the hon. Gentleman get them altered in the interests of humanity?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKIf the Regulations are bad, we will have them altered; but I do not know that they are bad, and they deal with a great number of ships in a very satisfactory manner.