GERMAN ESCAPEES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 285, 21 August 1918, Page 6

GERMAN ESCAPEES

THE ATTEMPT TO GET AWAY I'llOM SAMOA. Tho three Germans wlio attempted to escapo from Samoa in a motor launch were led by n Captain Steffenay. This man was in Apia on the outbreak of war, and when tho New Zealandcrs came said he was a naturalised American, although lie was born in Germany; On tho strength of this statement lie was given chargo of a store for the Solomon Islanders working at the wharf. It waa subsequently discovered lie had not been naturalised, and ho was therefore told lie would have to report in the same way as the rest of tho Germans resident there.

This did not satisfy Captain Steffenay, and, securing the co-oporation of a young German named Graff, the son of a pubiican at Apia, and another German, a carpenter by trade, and also a ship's captain, on Friday afternoon last these throo seized a "sea-going launch, which had gone up from Mulifanna to Apia with meat for tlio local butchery. The Germans impressed three Solomon Islanders, and stowed the little craft with tinned provisions, including meats, biscuits, etc., sufficient for eight months, and about 130 cases of benzine. It is beliovcd the intention of the three was to intercept the motor-boat Manua, which runs the mails betwpen Pago Pago and Apia, and probably seize her so as to get further afield. The engines, however, gave out, and tlio party had to put in to Mulifanua, about 35 miles from Apia. Graff went ashore, presumably with tho intention of getting repairing tools. A patrol met him, arrested him, and, obtaining the information as to where the launch was, took charge of the other men also. They were taken to Apia for trial. ■ As soon as the escape became known search parties went out, and at daylight tiireo launches were put out. It was iim alertness of tho authorities that ended tlio business. , . As a result of the escapade it is understood that the restrictions on all Germans, resident in tho group have becv strengthened.