OF LITTLE VALUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 73, 28 March 1938, Page 9

OF LITTLE VALUE.

VTREASURE" ON ISLAND.

COUNT TON LUCKNER'S STORY.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WANGANUI, this day.

Interviewed this morning in reference to stories that he had regained buried treasures on Mopelia Island on his recent visit to the Pacific. Count Felix von Tjuekner smiled. He said the most valuable treasures he haTl recovered on his recent visit to the island was the log book of the Secadler, and the certificate signed by the (iertnan Emperor which entitled him to raid ships during the war. -As for wonderful pearls, the Count said there were a few samples, but they were of little value. There was probably £10 worth of gold, while the marks recovered, if they had retained their original value, would certainly have been enough to make him a rich man. However, he added, even in that ca-se he would not have benefited, as he would have had to return them to Germany, as tlie marks were given him to pay hig way on his raiding expeditions. As it was, the marks were valueless to anybody.

In passing, Count von Luckner said that he paid nil his prisoners the same wages as they were receiving on their own ships, so long as they were on the Seeadler. He explained that his real reason for again visiting these parts was to meet the many friends he had made out here, and especially to renew acquaintance with his former prisoners, all of whom were delighted to meet him again.