Thousands Crush to See the Emden

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 703, 1 July 1929, Page 1

Thousands Crush to See the Emden

SURGING CROWDS MANY DISAPPOINTED Some 2,000 people on Central I Wharf, a long queue extending I along Quay Street almost to the Ferry Buildings, and a surging crowd agaiinst the big steel gates that guard the approach to the German cruiser Emden caused apprehensive moments yesterday afternoon. The closing of the gates at tv/o o’clock, although disappointing to thousands eager to inspect the vessel, was a wise precaution, JJAD the large crowd been given free access to the wharf the scene at the vessel’s side could easily be imagined. Casualties, perhaps serious, would have been unavoidable. Fortunately the officials acted promptly, and more fortunately still, the massive steel gates held. Although the vessel was not to be thrown open to the public until three o’clock the crowd commenced to assemble shortly after one o'clock. A queue was termed along the wharf up to the gangway and it grew rapidly. Owing to the narrowness of the ship’s gangway which permitted a procession of only two abreast the rate of progress was consequently slow. Those who gained admittance also did not help matters by making a reasonably quick inspection. Once on board they viewed the vessel at their leisure, while the crowds at the wharf gates and in Quay Street banked up rapidly. At two o’clock the crowd had grown to such proportions that it was deemed necessary in the public interest to close the gates. Quay Street quickly blocked up, and the pressure on the gates was considerable. A big drop bolt holding the gate into the asphalt beut under the strain, and a crowbar was employed to give it a better hold. The officials became apprehensive, and ropes were quickly made fast as a precautionary measure in the event of the lock giving way under tbe strain. UNWILLING BUFFERS The plight of some who had come early to avoid the crush was far from enviable. While the crush lasted they could neither get in nor get out, and they were compelled to act as unwilling and protesting buffers between the surging press and the steel gate. The officials and police were now kept busy relieving their plight, and efforts were concentrated on easing the pressure on them. One woman fainted and the usual number of small boys, some in tears, had to be extricated as best they could. Some found an avenue of escape by climbing the railing, gladly surrendering their vantage positions against the railing to other unwilling victims. One small boy, a cripple with one legt in a steel brace, was rescued by a constable, who hoisted him to safety over the iron spikes, and a little girl, clinging on the top of the iron fence, was rescued from her precarious position by another constable, who climbed behind a shed and helped her down.

Seven constables also managed to effect a clearance round the gate, but several times the cordon was broken. Under very trying circumstances both police and Harbour Board officials did good work. Shortly after four o’clock a notice “ship closed’ was exhibited at the gate, and from then on the crowd commenced to drift slowly and somewhat. reluctantly away. Many contented themselves with viewing the ship from Queen’s Wharf. • OBLIGING GUIDES Those fortunate enough to get on board spent a very interesting time. It was not possible to supply enough guides with a knowledge of English, but the others managed very well with an improvised system of sign language. Very friendly disposed and eager to please they mixed with the visitors, those possessing a few words of English exhibiting their knowledge with evident pride. It was unfortunate that more visitors could not be accommodated, but those that were left well pleased with their visit, and with a good impression of the vessel and its crew.