A STRANGE CRAFT

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 52, 1 March 1916, Page 4

A STRANGE CRAFT

WITH THREE FUNNELS y

IN THE PACIFIC

The following extract from correspondence, and editorial footnote that appeared in the “Fiji Times” of the 17th instant, speak for themselves. It is desirable, perhaps, to emphasise once again that no Germans in Fiji have been interned, and the supervision of Teutons in outlying districts and islands is one in name only. “To the Editor, “Fiji Times”:—■ Here is an incident to prove the truth of the principle advocated in your leader yesterday concerning interning Huns in outlying districts and on the coast, and also of establishing coastguards or fast patrol boats of some description. A friend of mine came in from Kadavu last week. He

tells me that a strange boat, painted dark grey, with three funnels, and built like a man-o’-war, was seen off the coast of Kadavu Island. The vessel steamed along very slowly, - quite close to the reef near the Naigoro Pass. All this happened in broad daylight, and in some places (e.g., Narikoso Point) the reef is quite.near the seashore. All the natives who were there saw the ship, and told my friend the very same day. The ship in question was not flying any flag. . . Editorial footnote: “The truth of this rumour could perhaps be ascei - - tained by the authorities from Mr. Zumfeld, a German resident, who lives in the vicinity, and who may hare seen the strange craft. Mr. Zumfeld bought, spot cash, the estate he now holds on the side of the harbour of Korilevu, one of the finest harbours in the group, on the 30th March, 191-1- — four months before the outbreak of war. Tie has the appearance of a much-travelled man, and speaks English fluently. He is well liked, and is naturalised.”