A COLD SWIM

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1933, Page 5

A COLD SWIM

818 FOR LIBERTY STOV/AWAY AT AUCKLAND. (Per Press Association—Copyright). AUCKLAND, June 16. A desperate bid for liberty . was made ito'viglit by a. young German stowaway who was being taken from Auckland to Sydney by the Matson liner Mariposa, when he dived into the harbour from the vessel and succeeded in reaching shore. The stowaway was Fritz Kreuser, aged 21, and was in custody on the Mariposa, with, a young Australian named Reginald Wright, who is Kreuser’s companion, and evidently had the same opportunity to reach shore, but elected to remain on board the liner. Not long after reaching the safety of the wharves after a strenuous swim in the icy waters, Kreuser, who is fair-headed, slim and young, was identified by the police as one of the stowaways, who were brought from Suva by the Mariposa. In'the morning, Kreuser, in spite of the rigid watch kept for him escaped detection. As the Mariposa was leaving the harbour for Sydney, he reappeared before the authorities in this surprising manner.

The liner left the wharf just after 5 p.m., and was going down the harbour past the King’s Wharf at 5.20. According to the young German’s statement, he managed to leave custody in a manner which has not been explained. He then made his way forward to the forecastle head a few feet from the anchor and then plunged from the liner into the harbour, a height of some 40 feet. His dive carried him clear from the tow of the Mariposa. He then struck out for the lights on the wharves. Hampered by clothing and. swimming in the chilly water, Kreuser had a hazardous task ahead of him, -but lie succeeded in landing at the steps attire end of King’s Wharf . before 6 o’clock. The young man then walked to where the steamer Omana, was completing loading, further along the wharf, his clothes dripping wet. Kreuser went on board and explained to the passengers .and crew that he had been watching the Mariposa-going out, and that, dazzled by the lights on the wharf, he fell into the harbour. Those on board set about providing warmth for the young man, and stimulants were given him. Meanwhile, some person informed the . Queen’s Wharf police station that a man-had fahen intone v The constable took Kreuser in a taxi cab to Volcanic J3t Balmoral, where the young" man said he had friends. The constable y, returned with particulars of the yfcung man to the station., where Sergeant Thompson, thought the description agreed with that of one of the young men deported from Suva. The Sergeant and constable immediately returned to Volcanic Street, where their suspicions were confirmed, and Kreuser was immediately taken into custody and brought into the city.

The young man is little tbo worse for his experience. According to a story he told he is not anxious to. return to Germany, but preferred to stay in the British Empire. No intimation that Kveuser had- disappeared was received from the Mariposa, so a radiogram advising that the young German had swum ashore and had been arreste; was sent to the master of the liner. Kveuser is to be charged in the police court.