THIS WEEK IN 1914

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 8 (Supplement)

THIS WEEK IN 1914

First German Prisoners Arrive IN the early morning of September 17, 1914, the barriers at King's wharf, Auckland, held back an eager-eyed crowd which awaited the landing of the German prisoners of war from Samoa. But those who were expecting something spectacular were doomed to disappointment.

The landing of the captured Governor (Dr. Scliultz) and hi* party was a very casual sort of business, and very few people in the crowd were aware of the identity of the Governor until he was driven away in a motor car to await the preparation of his new residence at Mntuihi Island.

A typical Herman, of middle height and broad build, he had grey hair and grev moustache. His secretary, Herr Mars, could have pasi-ed as hi- brother, -n alike were thev.

The third prisoner was Herr Hirs,-!.. the w irele-s expert at Apia and lie was accimi pa nii <1 by Herr Hansen, a merchant. Why this latter was captured was a (piestioii which intrigued many people. The only explanation given was that he was a Hongkong trader whose visit to Apia unfortunately coincide .1 with the visit of the Expeditionary Force.

Dr. iN-lmlt z was considerably distressed upon receiving the information that hi.- future re-idence was to lie on llie lonely i|uarantine island of Mntuihi. He was under the impression that parole would Ik l offered to him. However, the authorities did everything that was pn.-.- i 1 ile to make his ijuarten- thoroughly comfortable and mitigate the irk-oineiicss of enforced stay. Ready to Embark During the pre\ imi- week the members nf the Expeditimiary Force at the various training centres had made excellent progress in their training opcrat inns and the men were looking lit and well to undertake their sea journey and play their part in the field of military operations. The general health of thi' infantry and mounted camps had been good and their smart and sturdy appearance was ample evidence of the effect of the training methods applied. This training wns hard and meant plenty of strenuous work, hut it had been assimilated ijnickly and too good effect.

Presentations to the troops, both collectively and individually, were made during the week and after divine service on the Sunday, the camps were thrown open to the public.

At that time it was not known when tlie Force would leave the country. 1 -tit everything \\<|s in readiness—tile troopships in the harbours. the men fully equipped and all store* prepared—and it was expected that word would pome from the Imperial authorities at any moment to embark tile main hotly. The ships were fully equipped with stores and accommodation for men and horsjis.