MYSTERY CRAFT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18068, 20 April 1933, Page 5

MYSTERY CRAFT

SURPRISE FOR AUCKLANDERS FLYING GERMAN FLAG A small craft nosed its way round North Hoad, Auckland, on Tuesday, and when it was seen that she was flying the red, white and black Hag of Germany there was much speculation on the part of waterfront olficiaiuom, which was stirred into more than ordinary activity. Arrangements were made for an anchorage oil Mechanics Bay, and Customs officers stood by ready lo board the strange cralt alter she had been granted pratique by the port health officer.

In the meantime the small craft sailed on, and eventually dropped anchor inside the eastern tide-deflector. One of the 1 1 arbor board officials hired a special launch and went alongside the yacht to make inquiries. “Where from?” ho asked, and in good English came the reply: “From Takapuna.” It was learned that the crew of two were Takapuna youths on a cruise round tbo harbor. They were made a present of the German flag by members of, the crew of the Finnish barque Pasaat which recently visited Auckland. Formerly the Pasaat had flown this flag when under German ownership. The Takapuna lads had been flying the foreign flag from the gaff of their boat for about, a month, and seemed quite surprised at the stir they caused. Now officialdom is understood to be searching the authorities to see if a technical breach of tlie marine laws lias been committed. It is said to be more than a matter of marine etiquette.