INTERNED GERMANS.
AT MOTUIHI ISLAND. The Auckland Star states that there was'a break in the accustomed monotony of prison camp life at Motuihi last week when the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Defence, went down to the island on a visit of inspection. While the interned men are comfortably housed and well fed, it has been made increasingly apparent to them that they must not look for wide privileges, and the most enthusiastic AntiGerman Leaguer would be satisfied that the Germans are not allowed to come to the city in indiscriminate half-dozens to disport themselves and their wealth at the hotels and restaurants, as has sometimes been alleged. Indeed, the officer in charge very rarely grants leave to prisoners to visit Auckland, and then only under order from the medical officer. In the second-class quarters everything was found to be spick and span and the prisoners stood to attention as the party walked through the building. Mr. Allen asked after the welfare of the prisoners, and in every ease was assured that there were "no complaints." Included in the furniture in one of the living rooms was a well-finished library chair. The Minister remarked that it looked comfortable, and the owner, who was also the maker, pointed out that the pieces were fitted with screws, so that it could be readily packed when he went home after the war.
On entering the. first-class quarters one noticed the portraits of the Kaiser and German generals prominently displayed, and piles of music 'by German composers 011 the piano. 'I here were some complaints from a number of prisoners about the scarcity of leave, and Mr. Allen pointed out that theii confinement was a necessity of war. One man—a Samoan planter—said that lie I desired to go to Samoa, and that during his absence a fr'.cnd of 'his in Samoa would come to the camp and be interned in his stead. This novel idea did not commend itself to Mr. Allen, and the prisoner was informed that he would have to remain at Motuihi*
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Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1916, Page 6
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341INTERNED GERMANS. Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1916, Page 6
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