RECAPTURED

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 76, 22 December 1917, Page 10

RECAPTURED

THE GERMAN ESCAPEES

INTERCEPTED AT THE KERMADECS

A STEAMER IN WAITING

News reached the Prime Minister last night that the escaped German prisoners had been recaptured. They were taken at the Kermadec Islands, which they had roached- in the scow Moa, seized by them last Sunday, after an adventurous voyage of 600 miles in severe weather. It had occurred to the authorities in New Zealand that as the Germans had no large supply of food and water on the scow they might make for tho Kermadecs, with tho intention of raiding the depot that is maintained there for the use of possible shipwrecked mariners. Accordingly a steamer was dispatched to.the islands. She saw nothing of the scow during the run, and was waiting there when the Moa appeared. The recapture appears to have been effected without difficulty, all the advantage in armament and man-power being on the side of the steamer. The news reached New Zealand by wireless. The steamer is now on the way back tc Auckland with the prisoners. Tho original crew of the scow were still aboard when the recapture was effected.. It is presumed that they arc navigating the Moa back to New Zealand.' They are reported to bo all well Th'cy were the prisoners of the escaping Germans during the voyage to tin island. , .

The Kermadec Islands are about 600 miles from Auckland, and rather moio than half way to Tonga, but 100 miles eastward of tho direct steam route to that island. They are volcanic is origin, with high hills, and are for the most part covered with forest. They are seldom visited by ships, though Sunday Island, the largest of the group, has an area of over 7000 acres, with rich soil and a pleasant climate.

A MESSAGE FROM THE NORIH By Telegraph—l'rcss Association. Auckland, December 21. Advice was received officially this evening that the eleven German prisoners who escaped from Motuihi on December 13 have been recaptured at the Keruiadecs, aboard the .scow Moa. lho crew of the latter vessel are sale. A, special steamer left Auckland at noon last Sunday carrying, two sixpounder guns and gun ci;ews, and proceeded to make a search of the islands in the vicinity of Mercury Baj, olt which the capture ol the Moa by the Germans was observed, armed parties being landed for tlio purpose, by instructions from the Auckland military authorities. The steamer then steamed direct to the Kermndecs, it being considered likely that the Germans would endeavour to obtain food from the provision dopot oil the island. lho steamer reached the group at noon on Wednesday, and there met the Moa on her arrival. It is understood that tlio capture was effected without bloodshed. ■