GERMAN ESCAPEES.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1918, Page 4

GERMAN ESCAPEES.

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FURTHER PARTICULARS f.

Wellington, July '3l Certain prisoners of war on Somes Island managed to made : a raft on which four put to sea after nightfall yesterday. They were not missed ti’ll roll was called at 9-30 p.m, then arrangements were made for a search. Tlie forts were warned and contact was also effected with the police. The rait drifted towards Petone and was swamped near the coast. The men worked their way inland, but did not long enjoy the sense of freedom I hey were found on the Hutt Road about x o’clock this morning, and were lodged at the Police Station in Johnston St. Immersion in very cold water during the frosty night, gave a shock to the escapees. One, said to be not a strong constitution, died from exposure. The others though much more robust, are stated to be suffering from their chilling experience. One of the survivors in 1915, performed a feat of swimming, with a companion irom Somes. Island to Petone. This was done during a cold night, and after this achievement the adventurers found an unromantic constable awaiting them. Some time after the men were captured a small wooden case was seen floating near the spot where they had landed. It was secured by the police and was found to contain a somewhat crude mariners’ quadrant and lutings, pointing to the fact that the men did not intend to content themselves by remaining hidden ashore. The case itseli was roughly built from a pine wood kerosene case, and showed signs of hurried, ready construction. The instrument is by no means as finished and complete as was that manufactured by the Germans interned at Motuihi, and brought to light by the capture of Von Lttckner on the scow Moa ; but considering the makers bad no more materials than slips of wood, a few brass brads and screws for framework and nothing but the roughest materials for the finer fittings, the quadrant is a clever piece of work. THE INQUEST. Wellington, July 31 All inquest on the body of Karl August Hugo Kosel, whose death occurred during the attempt to escape from Somes Island, was held before Mr Riddell, S.M. Kosel was interned in May. 1916, and was believed to have been a fireman. The other escapees were William M’Knab, who was a painter in Christchurch, and interned in August, 1914; Karl W. Merlin and Alfred Kraur, sailors. The former was removed from Te Awamutu in March, 1916. and the latter from Dunedin in December, 1914. William M’Knab, in evidence, stated that they left Somes Island at ro p.m. on a raft mule of three boxes and five oil drums. The night was fairly fine, but there was a slight southerly breeze. There were three tins ot stores on the raft which was propelled by two paddles and two spades. When they had gone about a thousand yards, the raft began to sink. The leader, Merlin, said, *• keep on,'’ and the\’ made for the point between Petone and Ngahauranga. The deceased did not complain of exhaustion, but' was determined to cari vit through. The deceased was a bit thin, and had lost about 40 pounds weight. Kraut left olf paddling about 30 yards from the shore. Kosel was just paddling, but not exhausted, although lie put no weight into it. He was pretty short of breath on reaching the shore. Kraut had to be dragged from the raft. Kosel managed to get out, but was staggering. Kraut was lying acioss the railway line, and witness managed to remove him. He then went to Kosel who said : ‘' I am going to the first house I can get to, and no further.” Witness intended making fora house and seeking aid. About 2 a.m. witness saw two motor-cars in the distance, and hailed one, and asked the driver to rake them to town, to stay at some place for the night. Pie took them in the car, and they were met by the Police Sergeant, who told tHe driver to take them to the Police Station. Oil arrival at the Police Station witness stated that they had escaped, and had left Kosel on the beach.

Dr Kenrv gave evidence that death was the result of shock, exposure and exhaustion. Sergeant-Major Morton produced deceased’s file which showed he was a labourer, 29 years ot age 011 February 6th last. The Commandant atSomes Island had reported that Kosel was suffering from asthma, and was receiving the necessary attention. The evidence of the police showed that Constable Jessup went and brought the deceased to the Police Station. Deceased died about 4 a. m

The following verdict was found “That death was due to exhaustion brought about while trying to es cape on a raft from Somes Island.’