THE MOTUIHI ESCAPE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1917, Page 4

THE MOTUIHI ESCAPE.

The Govenruient lias ktet no time in appointing a court of enquiry in connection with the escape of the eleven German prisoners of war from Motuihi Island, Auckland harbor, on Friday last, but its action is akin to shutting the stable door after the steed has fled. The public can only feel amazed that such free and easy conditions prevail at a camp containing men of the character of the See Adlor's officers and crew. In broad daylight they help themselves to the only available boat—a well-equipped motor boat —and sail away unhindered. At the ■ same time the officers at the camp find themselves unable to communicate with Auckland, because of the telephone being out of gear—a little matter, probably seen to by one of the enemy wireless inmates. Count von Luckner is a particularly dangerous man to be at liberty in these parts, and iB capable of a good deal of harm. No doubt lie had his plans carefully arranged beforehand, and the fact that the whole party got clean away suggests that outside accomplices were involved. The See Adler's exploits in the Pacific show what havoc an armed vessel, even an indifferently armed one, can do in peaceful waters, and it is possible von Luckner may attempt something of the sort again., In any case, he and his men are better under lock and key, and it is to be hoped they will soon be caught. Too much leniency altogether has, in the past, been shown to enemy internees, if reports current in Wellington and Auckland may be believed, and it is high time a tighter rein was kept on them. The ease with which the escapees in this instance got away is very disquieting, and proves that at least this portion of the Defence Department's activities is in need of urgent and thorough overhauling.