“HERE IS FREEDOM”

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 60, 22 July 1938, Page 1

“HERE IS FREEDOM”

GERMAN EXILE SMILES All RIV A L IN SYI )NEi Y SYDNEY, June 28. —Dr Karl WolK shell], poet and philosopher, an exile from Germany, and close friend or Thomas Mann and other famous German writers, saw Sydney yesterday for the first time from the deck of the Strathnaver. He- smiled and said: ‘•Here is real freedom.” Dr Wolfskehl is a, philosopher in appearance as well as at heart. His hair grows almost to his shoulders, he wears a cape and a widq hat. “At the age of CS,” he said, “1 had to leave Germany and begin a new life. But I shall always remain a German. My ancestors for hundreds of years, were Germans. 1 had to go because 1 was a Jew. But the blow of exile lias been softened somewhat by the knowledge that art has no political borders. 1 have lived in Florence for some time, and there I have carried on my work. Probably my books are banned in Germany, Imt f still have many friends there.” l)r Wolfskehl said lie had been impressed by the frankness and happiness of the Australian people. “I have seen your people in three capital cities,” he added. “There is no fear in their eyes. There is none of that tragic air that is so apparent in many parts of Europe to-day. The state of mind of your people matches your sunshine.” Dr Wolfskehl, who is accompanied by his secretary, Dr Margot Ruben. Doctor of. Philosophy and Political Economy, intends to spend some months in New Zealand, writing.