ALLEGED "GERMANS"

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2777, 22 May 1916, Page 6

ALLEGED "GERMANS"

DEFENCE MINISTER'S ANSWER TO CHARGES DETAILS OF THE "SUSPECTS" Answering a scries of charges of alien enemy descent ur sympathies against persons in tho Expeditionary Force or otherwise connected with the Defence Department, made by Mr. John Payne in tho House on Friday, tho Hon. J. Allen made a statement giving particulars of the history and reputation of every "suspect" of whom lie had heard. A great number of these havo been named .by Mr.'Payne in the House,' but not all of them. Every man named by Mr. Payne was included in Mr. Allen's account, but he also included others whose names havo been mentioned by the Anti-German League and by other people who arc under tho impression that the Government is over-lenient in its treatment of persons ei alien enemy origin. A perusal of the following list (which we are asked to publish), as read by Mr. Allen, 'shows ill how far that impression, so far as it concerns the Defence Forces, is justified : —

Captain Dr. Bernstein.—This officer is in chargo of To Waikato Sanatorium. He I was ■ commissioned in the New-Zealand Forces under similar conditions to' medical officers so placed, i.e., being paid exclusively by the Government. He was born.- in Yorkshire, where his : father's people have been domiciled for at least 120 years. He is a very loyal Britisher, and is greatly respected by leading public and business men of Cambridge. Ur. Roberts, of Cambridge, is from the same town as Captain Bernstein, and can substantiate his statements. Lieutenant Vernon Cranley Bosselmann.—Lieutenant Bosselmann was born at Nelson on October 21, 1895. His father was a native of Germany, and his mother a New Zealandcr of British parentage. When Lieutenant Bosselmann. was at Nelson College he was recommended by the Principal of the College for a Territorial commission, and to tako charge of the cadets. He was confirmed in this appointment on May 12, 1913. This recommendation was approved of under General Regulation, 1911, 88 (b). Mr. Bosselmann is now at Canterbury College, and at the present time has no connection with the Territorial Force, other than holding his commission . , Lieutenant F.' L. Buchler.—Lieutenant Frederick Lancelot Buchier was born in Now Zealand. His father was born in England, and also his grandfather, who was a British officer, so that his father's ancestors were in England in the latter part of tho 18th century, at which ■tirno they were known as von Buchler. His mother is of purely English descent. Lieutenant Buchler was appointed an officer on probation on March 14, 1914, and attached to tho Stratford High School Cadets. Prior to being commissioned, he had served in tho school cadets and tho Uth Regiment (Taranaki Riiles).. This officer bears an excellent character, and is well aspoken of by those who were closely associated with him. 'Ho left New Zealand .with the 9th Roinforce>uents.

Dollings.—The statement regarding the Dolling family is absolutely incorrect. Neither of the brothers has -enlisted. Fritz enrolled, but'his services wore not accepted, as he was born in Germany, although it_ might be remarked that he arrived in New Zealand .when he was only 3S years ,of age. Eric has also not been accepted. Fritz Dolling served for eight years in the field Artillery. Ho was' thought a great deal of by lits commanding officer. He has testimonials from some of the leading citizens in the Dominion, and ono special recommendation from Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P. Lieutenant Arthur A. E. Flohr—Lieutenant Flohr is an ex-Imperial Army officer. His birth and parentago are wellknown to the. War Office. He is not of alien descent. Mrs. Flohr (nee Greena•way) is a daughter of well-known r ow Zealand people, who are Scotch. Lieutenant Flohr entered Trentham Camp on Jlaieh 17, 1915, as an N.C.O. on probation. I-Ie was promoted 2nd Lieutenant on probation on June 15, 1915. Ho was, in July and_ August, acting as Camp Adjutant at' .L&uhorcnikau Camp. He was Dot confirmed in his appointment on probation as a 2nd Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Kobert M'Gregor Goldsman —Born at Dunedin, March 13,1886. Father George Goldsman, born Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Mother; Jane Goldsman (nee M'Kae), born Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Lieutenant Goldsman is in caniD as Lieutenant on probation with the 12th lleint'orcements.

H. H. I'els.—H. H. Pels was born at Dunedm on May 18, 1891. Next-of-kin, Willi Fels. Naturalised October 10, ISSO. He served some 1 years in the Volunteers and Territorials. He was one and a half years in tho Otago Hussars. " Martha Gross.—Miss Martha Gross was permitted to leave the Dominion in coin-' pliance with an agreement between the British and German Governments that women be not retained. She was engaged as a nurse by Dr. Christie when he was I? Ge ™ an >'\ Wh e«> Dr. Christie left with the New Zealand Forces the agreement was terminated, and this lady, could not obtain employment in the Dominion. 1 here is no information in possession of the Defence, Department that she should be considered as a paid German W>. ftor were there any grounds for suspicion that she was other than a trained and highly qualified nurse. Dr. A. S. Herbert—Dr. Arthur Stanley, Herbert (formerly Wohlmann), was granted a commission in the New Zealand Forces as a captain, New Zealand Medical Corps, on November 19, 1915. It lias been ascertained .that Dr. Herbert's great-great-great-grandiather was a British subject, bom in London, England, and his dependants have all been British subjects. In June, 1915, Sir Francis Bell, who was then Minister of Internal Mfairs, consented to his changing his name from Wohlmann to Herbert. Captain C. A. Herman.—Captain Cedric Arthur Herman is a native of New Zealand. His father is also a native of New Zealand, and his mother is of purely Irish descent. It is understood that his grand-, father on the father's side was a German. Captain Herman'was appointed a second lieutenant on April 4, 1911, and prior tp being commissioned he had served in the Christ's College Cadets, and had done fifteen months' training -vitli '.he Canterbury College ' Officers' Training Corps. He came into camp with, mid proceeded to the-front with, the 7th Reinforcements. There was some talk in Auckland of certain statements made by Captain Herman at a supper party, but on investigation it turned out to be not worth taking notice of. Lieutenant Ivan Hirschbcrg.—Lieutenant Ivan Hirschberg was commissioned in the New Zealand Territorial Force in August, 19.12. He had previously served eight years in the.Cadets. He was born in Jlasterton, his lather being William James Ilirschberg, law clerk, wlio was born in Greytown on April 3, lSliO, and whose father was Montis Hirschbcrg, a German, who arrived in New Zealand at an early age and settled in tho Wairarapa. He married Miss Jane Hall at St. Peter's Church, Wellington, on January 29, 1858. Lieutenant Ilirschberg sailed with tho Bth Reinforcements.

Captaiu 1\ K. Hotop.—Captain l>'rancis Rudolph Hotop was appointed an officer in the New Zealand Medical Corps on December 1, 1915. He is a native of New Zealand, his father being Ludwig Hotop, a German, and a chemist, of Qucenstown, who has been resident in the Dominion for some fifty years, having arrived at the age of 15. His mother was of purely British descent. 'Mr. Hotop bears an excellent roputation in the Queenstown district, and is considered ;a loyal British subjcct. Ho has been Mayor of Queenstown on several occasions, is a Justice of the Peace, and is Coroner for the district. Mr. Payne stated that it is alleged that Captain Hotop has two brothers in the German Army. It is therefore well to say that Dr. Hotop is the only surviving son, .his brother having died some years ago in Sydney. Captain Hotop since he came to Trentham camp has been performing excellent services, is a first-rate officer, and his loyalty has not been doubted. This file was placed before Cabinet on March .'lO, who minuted it "No action at present."

Son of Joos'ten, ox-German Consul, Christchurch.—Joosteu was married on Juno 5, 1907, and his eldest son is five years of ago. There is, therefore, no son of this man in the Expeditionary Force.

It-might bo remarked that Joostgn is only 35 years of nge.

Kemmtz.—The only Kemnitr, that can be found having any connection \yitli the Territorial Force is tho Clerk of the Court at lnvercargiil. This gentleman was appointed a second lieutenant in the -Senior Cadots on November 28, 1912. .Prior to this appointment ho was for foinr years a sergeant in the AVaitaki Bojis' Hi-h School Cadets'. His father and grandlather were born in Australia.

Lieutenant A. E. Kretschmar.—Lieutenant A. E. ICretschmar is a native of New Zealand of German parentage. His parents arrived in 1851, and were naturalised on June 2-i, 1862, prior to tlw birth of Lieutenant Kretschmar. They havo not been out of N6w Zealand since their arrival. Lieutenant Kretschmar served for seven years in the A r olu,nteeiis,* and was commissioned as a Cadet officer on September 7, I'JIO. He is at pnsseut on the Reserve of Officers, and is actively employed by the Defence Department. He is looked upon as a loyal British subject.

Captain Langguth.—Captain Langguth is a natural-born British subject, and had to do his compulsory training the same as any other British subject. He is at present on extended leave of absence. Ho has not been engaged at tho forts since September, 1914. He entered AValsh Brothers' Flying School with a view to going to .India and offering his services as a pilot, but he was informed that he could not be recommended on account of his parentage. Lieutenant Lorenz AV. Meuli.—Lieutenant L. AV. Meuli was born at Ifanaia, Taranaki, on June 20, 1891. He was granted a commission as second lieutenant, Unatached List (b), oh March 25, 1912, and was appointed to the Manaia Cadets. Previous to being commissioned he had served five years in the College Cadets and one year in the Mounted Rules. His parents are Swiss. One of the family, who was particularly well-known throughout the Dominion as a footballer, was killed at Gallipoli. Lieut. Meuli sailed with the 11th Reinforcements.

Lieutenant Charles Henry Hotzen.— This officer is a member of tho Post and Telegraph services. He is a native of New Zealand, his father being the late Inspector of Public Works in Southland district. His father was a Dane, and born near Copenhagen. His mother was Miss Suckling, a member of a very old English family hailing from Essex, England. Lieutenant Holtzen's father had fought against the Germans in 1883, and it has been a well-known fact that Lieutenant Holtzen himself has always had a deep objection to the German nation, and has expressed such views so long back as fifteen years. Sergeant-Major C.H. Ritzema.—SergtMajor C. 11. Ritzema was born in the British Army. His ancestors have resided in England for hundreds of years. This n.c.o. had fought throughout Uhe South African war with the British regiments. He was accepted on the Instructional Staff of tho New Zealand Forces shortly after compulsory training came into force. This n.c.o.'s father had retired from the Army when the present war broke out, he having completed 28 years' service, and reached warrant rank. Ho, however, again rejoined the British Forces, and was killed in action on the Western front. Sergeant-Major Ritzema's oldest brother was wounded at tho Dardanelles, and again rejoined his company, and since bojieved killed in action. His only other brother is an officer with the regular forces, and is at present on aotivo service. Sergoant-Major Ritzema states lis was well aware of tho interest the Women's Anti-German .League took in him, and that ho had to submit to a good deal in Napier and Hastings. Ho could 'havo' given information that would havo cleared him in the eyes of tho public, for he was in possession of letters from the AVar Office, but he considered it was his-duty as a British soldier to treat his calumniators with silent contempt.

Captain J. P. Rockstrow. —Captain Rockstrow was born in New Zealand. Ho saw service ill the South African war. His father was born in Germany, but had been many years in New Zealand, having arrived in 1862, and was natur-. alised before his marriage. His mother was an English woman of English parentage. He is employed in clerical duties in the examination branch of the Headquarters Training Staff. His case was put before the Aliens' Commission, and the recommendation was that he should continue in his present employment. 'S. P. Schank.—Temporary SergeantMajor S. F. Schank was appointed as an instructor in 'l'rentham Camp on October 24, 1914. He was born in Australia, His parents were Swiss. They arrived in New Zealand forty-five years ago. ( Lieutenant Franz Scherf.—Lieutenant Franz Scherf arrived in New Zealand as an ensign with the British forces about 1850. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in New Zealand in IS6G. He served through the Maori war. It has recently been learnt that he died sis years ago, but, as no notification of his death was received by the Defence Department, his name continued to appear in the New Zealand Army List as being in the Reserve of Officers.

Lieutenant J. C. Schneider—Lieutenant Jonathan Charles Schneider was appointed a lieutenant on probation in the New Zealand Railway Battalions on July 7, 1913. He,was born at tho Hinds, Canterbury, 011 February 26, 1881. His father was a German and his mother an Englishwoman. Lieutenant Schneider is a clerk in the Railway Department, and bears an excellent character.

Captain W. J. A. Schwartz—Captain Schwartz is a New Zealander by birth. He was a keen volunteer, and was elected a lieutenant in the Ashburton Guards Rifles on September 9, 1902, and captaiii on June 17, 1803. His' parents were Danes. This officer bears an excellent character. He is at present on the Reserve of Officers.

Ivruzer.—"Kruzsr" is Major Daniel James Sweetzer, late of the Imperial Army. This officer's ancestors have resided in England for many hundreds of years. The home of the family is now at Oak Villa, Mortimer, Berkshire, where his family has been domiciled for over two hundred years.

Son of Seegner, ex-German Consul, Auckland—Seegner has no family. It is therefore impossible for a son to' be in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Major E. Teiehelmann.—Major E. Teicheimami was born in Adelaide on March 23, 1-559. His father was a German missionary, and his mother a Scotch woman. He was educated'in Australia and England, and is a F.R.C.S., England. He joined the Australian forces on May 25, 1592, and, on his coining to New Zealand, he joined the Westhuid Rifle Volunteers about February, ISOO. He had not been to Germany prior to the year 1912, when he passed through the country on his way to England. The Imperial Government asked for the services of surgeons from New Zealand. Major Teichelmann was recommended, bis services were accepted, and he left tho Dominion on August 26, 1915.

VoshtheiT.— I This man was discharged from tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force as soon as it was learnt that his father and mother were not naturalised. On his discharge being handed to him, he informed Colonel Adams that he was recruited by the Patriotic Society, of Hastings. who told him it was quite right for him to join the Expeditionary Force, and that his loyalty, was not doubted.

Lioutenant Konakl Volckman.—Lieutenant Itonald Volckman was born in New Zealand. Ho was gazetted 2nd lieutenant on February 5, 1812. Prior to receiving his commission, he had served in tho Collogo Cadets and Territorials for four years. It has not been possible to ascertain the nationality of this officor's ancestors on the father's side, beyond that his father was born in London and his mother in Northampton. Colonel Chaffer and Colonel Ilillton have known Lieutenant Volckman from infancy. Colonel Millton states that lie has known Lieutenant Volckman's father for twenty years, and that ho is absolutely loyal and decidedly anti-German, and has been so at all times. Lieutenant Volclcnuln is at present in the Bth (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Captain F. W. Vossler.— I This officer was born in Wellington in 1878. Ho joined the Garrison Artillery as a lieutenant in October, 1912. His parents were both born in Germany, and have been naturalised in New Zealand. The senior officers of the Wellington Garrison Artillery Division are quite satisfied regarding tho loyalty of this officer, and arc confident that-tiis entire sympathies are with Groat Britain and her Allies. He is at present on extended leave for tho period of the war. Lieutenant Wass.—Lieutenant Wass is an Imperial Army officer, and is on loan | to tho Now Zealand Government until the

end of tho war. He was, on the outbreak of war, one of the senior warrant officers of the Army Service Corps, having twentyeight years' service. Ho la now on active service attached temporarily to the NewZealand Forces.

Staff-Sergeant H. F. AYiochern. —Sergeant AVicchern was born in Nelson on August 20, 1887. His father was a German and his mother an English woman. He was appointed to the Now Zealand Permanent Staff as an instructor on May 1, 1912. He is at present employed as Area Sergeaut-Major, AVollington. There has been no reason to doubt his loyalty.

H. Wollerman.— I This officer is a native of New Zealand. His parents are German. His father arriped in New Zealand in the early 'seventies, and was naturalised on October 12, 18S6. Lieut. Wolletman is employed as Military Censor in Samoa. The Administrator considers that he has rendered very valuable service to the Empire, being the means of bringing t"3 light various German methods of evading censorship, etc., in Samoa, whilst in British military occupation. His case was placed before the Aliens' Commission, who. having received the statements of the Administrator of Samoa, decided that it would be in the interests of the Empiro to retain him in his present appointment. Colonel G. C. B. Wolfe.—Colonel Wolfe ia a son of Major-General James Wolfe, late of the Imperial Army and late British Commissioner of Basutoland. He was born at Plymouth, England, and educated at Maramead School, Plymouth, and the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Ho was first appointed to the Royal Marine Artillery, and was subsequently transferred ro the Royal Marine Light Infanttry. Served in Channel and Mediterranean Squadrons. Retired in 1897 with rank of captain. He was then Gun Commander of H.M.-S. Theseus. He joined the NewZealand Forces in_ 1900, and was appointed to command Nelson Military District. Has subsequently held the following appointments:—O.C. Commanding Auckland Military District, Adjutant-General, and Inspector of Drill Halls and Rifle Ranges. The latter appointment ho is still holding.