A SURPRISED CAPTAIN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 37, 30 September 1914, Page 6

A SURPRISED CAPTAIN.

The capture of the German-Austra-lian 'liner Apolda at Capetown while bound for Australia came as a complete surprise to the captain of the vessel. On entering Table Bay ‘ 2 All’s well” was responded to the usual query, and the formula of declaring and signing of ship’s papers proceeded before Captain Suhr was made aware that all was not well.

■ “Now, there will be the war papers to fill in,” was the next instruction, which news the skipper showed a disinclination to credit, “Aren’t you aware that Germany is at war with England?” asked the boarding officer, “No!” was the reply, with an expression of surprise, “it’s the first ,vord I’ve heard about it.”

Captain Sqhr appeared to take his capture with a good grace, and when told that the Hamm was in the bay, replied that he would at least have the satisfaction and pleasure of being in the company of a fellow captain. Subsequently, the Apolda was moored in the bay. She has, 7000 tons of cargo in her holds, consigned to South African and Australian ports, and, with the value of her hull, will approximate closely upon £IOO,OOO.