Maheno at Port Chalmers, 1915

The hospital ship Maheno fully dressed and nearing completion at Port Chalmers mid-1915.

When the ship was opened for public inspection on 2 July, 5000 people trooped aboard, 3000 of them arriving on special trains. It was a festive day. Bands played while the visitors ran the gauntlet of patriotic collectors, all keen to lighten their wallets and purses.