BEHIND A RUMOUR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20076, 24 October 1939, Page 4

BEHIND A RUMOUR

HOTEL BAR TALK “SUBMARINE” DISAPPEARS Behind Dame Rumour’s tale of the visit of a British submarine to Port Chalmers to refuel lies a good story. Two residents were indulging in a Dunedin bar. In walked a stranger, complete with smart double-breasted coat, ebony walking-stick, and a pronounced English accent. As the congenial spirit rose with the depletion of the bottle the stranger reluctantly admitted that lie was commander • of X 54, a British “sub.” that had put into Port Chalmers for two or three days.

| Torpedo tubes, conning towers, and such submarine terminology monopolised the conversation, and it seemed only natural that the two Dunedin men should accept an invitation *to /isit the ship. A "please admit bearer” pass was supplied by the officer in order that the visitors might gain admittance to the wharves, for the sentries challenged allcomers. It was then, however, that the “sub.” commander found himself temporarily financially embarrassed and borrowed liberally. When tfle Dunedin men visited Port Chalmers next day, chartering a taxi for the purpose, X 54 had departed along with its commander, the loan, and any value that might have been attached to the pass.