CHASED BY SUBMARINE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 December 1939, Page 7

CHASED BY SUBMARINE

LINER BOUND FOR NEW ZEALAND MASTERTON RESIDENTS ABOARD Passengers on a liner when she encountered a German submarine in the Atlantic, the Misses Dakin, of Masterton, had some excitement on their homeward voyage to New Zealand after an extended visit to the British Isles. The submarine was sighted just after dinner, about three miles away, first by a member of the crew, who was resting, and by some of the passengers. Most of the passengers had a good view of the underwater craft through their binoculars and some stated that they saw a man on its deck. For a time it was thought the, .submarine was gaining on the liner. Later, however, smoke was seen coming from the U-boat and it was stated that that indicated engine trouble. In any case, the raider then fell behind. Everyone on board the liner was cool and collected and. acting under orders. had their coats and lifebelts handy in case of an emergency.

The Misses Dakin spent about thir-' teen months in Britain, arriving there in September. 1938. They toured extensively in all parts of the Old Country and had intended to visit France and Holland, but the outbreak of war prevented their tour of the Continent. They found old castles and other historical monuments of particular interest. They were fortunate enough to see the King and Queen and the Royal Family on the day their Majesties left England for Canada.