New Purser clearing the mess in the ship's Catering Department.

Patrick was a good Christian. Following the experiences that Paul has had; Patrick had taken whatever precautions possible to prevent any underhand activity between the cooks and the stewards. The restrictions imposed were so great, that even to issue one bottle of whisky out of the ship’s bonded store, he himself went down or requested me to do it for him. He was an early riser. Every day he was up by about 5 a.m. After his morning tea and shower, he spent time praying and reading the scriptures. Thereafter, he went down to issue the provisions to the Chief Cook from the dry provisions stores and the cold rooms according to the day's menu.

By being so diligent, he had plugged all the possible loopholes the cooks and the stewards appeared to have enjoyed during Paul’s time. Following the malpractices in the catering department, an usually large replenishment of provisions had to be done in Mumbai. Fortunately, at that time the prices of all provisions were very reasonable over there.

Patrick, however, was also a very hot tempered person. One day over some argument, he had assaulted the cook who was in charge of the European officers' food.  A formal inquiry was held and as there were no witnesses to the incident, the matter was dropped. Following the fight he had with Patrick, the cook had tendered his resignation. He was signed off at Palermo, the first port in Italy the ship called at, and was repatriated.

After stream lining the catering department, there was a big change in the food and discipline.

Photo of vessels transiting the Suez canal

Plan of the Suez canal.