EXCITING TIMES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 48, Issue 2863, 15 November 1939, Page 8

EXCITING TIMES

WHEN WAR BROKE OUT AT SEA ON A DUTCH SHIP NEW ZEALANDER’S EXPERIENCE To be on the high seas, many miles from home, when war breaks out is an experience, but it is more memorable if one’s travelling companions happen to be of mixed nationality and include people from the enemy country. Mr Oyp. Bridge, a wellknown Wellington resident, who recently returned from a trip overseas, found himself in this position when, at the beginning of September, Britain declared war on Germany, and although he was not concerned about it in the way the German passengers were —it was a Dutch ship bound for a 'British port—he is not likely to forget the incident. The Dutch ship was about mid-way between Singapore and Hongkong when advice was received of the outbreak of war. On board, in addition to the Dutch crew and Dutch passengers, were British, 'French, Eurasians, Chinese, Germans, Americans, and Portuguese. It was a real “League of .Nations” party. When the news of the war came these different people all had their own ideas where they, would like to make for.

The choice of the Americans was Manila, the French felt that Saigon, in French Indo-China, would suit them, and the Germans thought it was not a good idea at all to be going to Hongkong. Mi- 'Bridge told the captain he did not mind where he was taken, provided it was somewhere he had not been before. The Captain’s Dilemma

It was not as easy as all that for the captain, however. What should he do? He did not quite know; this was something new. For a day he slowed) down the ship, waiting for instructions. At last they arrived and they were to proceed to Hongkong. For the German passengers there was the prospect of internment when the ship reached Hongkong, and, naturally, they did not feel too happy about it. There was, however, .no change in the relations among the passengers. One of the Germans was a girl of about 22, whom Mr 'Bridge picturesquely described as an ash blonde and in every way a 1940 model. .This young woman, who. was travelling with her mother and stepfather, spoke a number of languages —English, French, and even enough Chinese to be able to converse with the Chinese Landing At Hongkong

When the ship arrived at Hongkong she stood out in the bay all night, and in the morning the immigration officials came out to her. The British passengers had no trouble in getting ashore. What steps were taken with the aliens on board, particularly the Germans, Mr Bridge is unaware, though he thinks that the male German passengers at least may have been interned, for while he was at Hongkong he read in the newspapers references to the internment of Germans and the hours when they could be visited. Mr Bridge’s trip was one which he had deferred taking since February, 1’93i8, his intention having been to go on from Sydney after attending the British Empire Games. He was advised against it then, and, as things turned out, when he did make his trip the war cut it short by three weeks.

One morning on the homeward voyage from Manila the cry went up that a big aeroplane was travelling towards them. As the plane flew nearer the excitement among the passengers increased, especially among the many Chinese. The plane was flying quite low and roared over the ship. Apparently it was looking the ship over, for it circled low above her a couple of times and then left.