EMDEN RUSHED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18903, 19 January 1927, Page 11

EMDEN RUSHED.

HOSE TURNED ON CROWD. INCIDENT AT CAPE TOWN. ,'B? CABLE— TRES3 ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT ) (AI;3ISAI,IA.V AND N.z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) CAPE TOWN, January 17. An extraordinary incident in connexion with the visit of the German cruiser Emden occurred when the ship was thrown open to visitors. An enormous crowd assembled on the wharf, and the gangways were congested. So great was the push that the gangways were withdrawn, but the crowd on the wharf increased. Suddenly a German sailor on board, instructed by an officer, turned a hose on the crowd. This was done several times.

Many ladies in summer hats and frocks were drenched, and in the stampede which followed, some fainted. Much indignation was expressed, but, on the other hand, some of the spectators maintain that the .action averted a tragedy, by preventing an attempt to rush the ship.

The Emden is lying at Collier Jetty, which is 'opeu to the sea on both sides and at the end, with a narrow entrance. A crowd, estimated at 10,000 visited the cruiser, the decks of which, were soon packed. As a result an officer of the Emden stated that no further visitors would be allowed aboard until those on board had left.

The crowd continued to grow, and the police were powerless. The greatest danger spot was between the cruiser and the quayside, as the police and the front row of the crowd would have fallen on the huge planks used as fenders; then others would have fallen on top of them, many of the mass being crushed to death.

The captain, -realising the position, ordered the hose to be played on the crowds. It had the desired effect in keeping the people back. Captain Foerster, of the Eden, states that the use of the hose On the crowd averted a disaster. The water was turned on only after repeated warnings by the police, who were unable to prevent the crowd massing on the wharf in imminent danger of being pushed over.

The Mayor issued a statement warmly commending the prompt action of the Emden officers, which meant saving many lives. GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. "UNEDIFYING WATER PANTOMIME." (AUSTRALIAN AND K.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received January 18th, 7.20 p.m.) BERLIN, January 17.

Tlie attitude of the German papers on the Emden's hose-pipe exploit at Cape Town are most characteristic. Dr. Stresemann's organ promises an enquiry by the naval authorities, and demands the severest punishment of the guilty if the British report is correct. . ~ 'The Chauvinistic "Lokal Anzeiger, on the contrary, says the people oi Cr w )e Town should be grateful to the Emden's crow, whose presence of mind saved rnanv lives. The "Berliner Tageblatt" pronounces it a regrettable blunder, and urges that everything be done to counter the unedifying water pantomine as quickly as possible.