A small group of Japanese soldiers "captured" the Shanghai City Government Ferry pontoon and "Floating Restaurant" yesterday afternoon. They boarded the structure, at the foot of Peking Road, at 3 o'clock, and at 3.10 exactly the Rising Sun flag ascended from one of the antenna masts above the restaurant where many Shanghailanders in former days enjoyed a meal while looking out upon the bustling river life. The antenna itself had first been torn down by one of the soldiers who climbed on to the roof.
The pontoon was not towed away last night, but all the Chinese who were on it were ordered to leave ai once and Japanese soldiers proceeded to lock all gates and tie the windows with wire so that they could not be opened. The personal property of the Chinese in the structure at the time of seizure was allowed to be removed by the owners.
The Jardine steamer Fooshing, which was off the pontoon unloading rice for Shanghai's hungry population, was somewhat inconvenienced by the sudden occupation of the premises. It was possible, however, to continue unloading over a Jardine barge moored slightly to the south of the pontoon, and this was done. of the appointment of two Japanese, Mr. Yoshisuke Akatani and Mr.
Keiichi Kato, as Administrative Commissioner and Revenue Account-t respectively in the local Customs office, The City Government's pontoon on Peking Road was occupied by Japanese troops yesterday afternoon, The s, Fooshing, of Messrs, Jardine, Matheson & Ca, was at the time tied at the pontoon, The Japanese authorities, the official asserted, were justified in capturing the ferry, since it was the property of the Chinese Government.
"If necessity arose," the spokesman added, the Customs Jetty, Hankow Road, might also be seized, Free ferry service between Wayside end Pootung has been maintained since November 11, the "Shanghai United News" reported last night.
Manned by 17 soldiers, the ferries have been operating between the Wayside Wharf and the Osaka Shosen Kaisha's wharf on the other side of the river.
This little force, the daily said, is under the command of Engineer Lieutenant Yasunao Kioka, who distinguished himself late in August, when Japanese troops were landed at Woosung, and later. at the battle of Tazang.
Open to members of the armed, forces, as well as to civilians, this service is temporary, but an application has been made to the military authorities for its continuation, the daily reported
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.