Samoa

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 120, 14 October 1914, Page 5

Samoa

GERMAIN CRUISERS' CHANGE MINDS. By Telegraph.—Per Press Association. | Auckland, October 13. | The Navua has arrived from Apia, and brought 19 prisoners of war, including three German, civilians and three German eadefe. The latter belonged to the Gorman ship (EUscss, at Pago Pago. They had heard that Apia had been re-taken by Uie German cruis>-c-rs, and they deserted. They sailed I ninety mileg in an open boat, andl walked into the arms of the New Zealandeis' liarbor Apia, and were welcomed as prisoners of war. It appears ithat tOie Gneßsenau and "Stfharnhorst had v visited Apia in September and secured an anchorage 3000 yards outside the reef, as if intending to bombard idle town. The New Zealand troops were prepared to reply, but after remaining there an hour and a half the cruisers steamed .away without any hostile demonstrations. The prisoners proceed to Wcllingilrcm under tlio guard which accompanied Uican on thei Navua. consisting of lieutenant Kenny and 10 men, including six army reservdsts. '

IN GOOD ILKALTII AND SPIRITS. Auckland, Last Night. Letters have been received in Auckland from members of the expeditionary force at Samoa, stating that the men are all well. None of the men complain of eye trouble, which was believed to be affecting them, and they say they, have been remarkaby free from epidemics or any sickness.

One significant item contained in the correspondence, is that shortly after Samoa was occupied several sticks of dynamite connected with an electric wire were, discovered under the wireless station. Generally speaking, the men are in good health and spirits, and all of them expect to be sent to the Continent as soon as they are relieved. .STORIES FROM SAMOA. Auckland, Jjjsfc Night. Amongst/ the prisoners of war aboard tbe Xavua are two Germans who put oil' from the Samoan coast and boardcdl the ■Gorman cruisers lying there. On their return they informed some of the British officers tlhat the C'.nnan Admiral had undertaken not to bombard Alpia. But Ihe utterances of Uie men were considered rather indiscreet and tJiis, coupled with the fact of their visit to the cruisers, brought about their arretjt and deportation to New Zealand.