SIGNS OF WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20047, 20 September 1939, Page 4

SIGNS OF WAR

MARIPOSA’S ARRIVAL SEIZURE OF RADIO SETS FLAGS PATNTED ON SHIP Results of the outbreak of war were noticeable when the American Matson liner Mariposa arrived at Auckland from Sydney on her way to San Francisco. On her sides were painted large representations of the Stars and Stripes and another flag had been painted on the sports deck, in plain view from the sky.

Before they were permitted to land, all members of the crew and all passengers of alien countries who were passing through Auckland were required to have special passes. To issue these, four men were placed at tables in the disembarkation foyer and a strict watch was 'kept to see that no one needing a pass went ashore without one. Incident at Sydney Another result of the war was experienced when the ship arrived at Sydney a fortnight ago. She berthed a day after Great Britain’s announcement that a state of war existed with Germany and all radio sets belonging to crew and passengers were immediately seized and placed in a sealed cabin. They were released after the ship had left Australia again. The effect of international strife and uncertainty was also reflected in the passenger list. It was stated that up to 30 Australians had cancelled reservations for passages, while of the remainder by far the largest proportion were Americans returning to the United States and New Zealanders coming back to the Dominion. A number of the New Zealanders returned sooner than they had planned. Cancellation of Passages , It was also learned that New Zealanders have been caircelling passages for foreign countries. Mr. W. J. Heslehurst, an Australian tour organiser who was to have taken a party of 20 New Zealanders and Australians for a three months’ holiday visit to the United States, arrived without any of his party. The six Australian members had cancelled their arrangements, he said, and he had also been informed that the 14 New Zealanders, from different parts of the Dominion, had decided not to go ahead with the tour.

No reduction of its services is intended by the Matson Company. Advice has been received from the United States that the company will endeavour to carry on as usual and that the Government naturally desired this course.