VISITING THE EMDEN.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17751, 1 July 1929, Page 9

VISITING THE EMDEN.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The Emden was not yet ready to receive visitors, but by strange good fortune, to the surprise of my two nieoes and myself, we were aboard and being courteously shown over the boat by a youth who spoke fair English. Our visit was altogether unexpected, so we were repeatedly dropping unaware on parties busy at various duties. These would promptly make way, stand momentarily to attention, glance interestedly at my companions and then look at each other. I, the rear file of our party, was keenly analysing these young Germans and In the frequent quick, warm glance between members of the crew as we passed I was deeply struck. It seemed to me that the thought passing between them was, briefly, “Is not this rather nice; I think we and these New Zealanders could be friends." With a warm handshake we leave the Emdcn. Then I think of those, I hope few, who foel we should be cold to these men who at the time of the war were mostly children suffering privations. Surely we are not now going to brood solely over our own sufferings, but rather feel as (I think it was) Abraham Lincoln did when he said of his enemies, "We suffer not because of you but with you.” “Digger” in your columns spoke of kind treatment received in Germany during the occupation- That some return of such kindness may now be possible is the hope of ANOTHER DIGGER.