A FAMOUS GERMAN RAIDER

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22371, 7 April 1938, Page 7

A FAMOUS GERMAN RAIDER

COUNT VON LUCKNER TO LECTURE IN CITY

One of the most famous adventurers of modern times, Count Felix von Luckner, who destroyed thousands of tons of British merchant shipping during the war, v ill tell of his experiences in a series oi three lectures at the Theatre Royal, on Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, and Monday night. Count von Luckner, who is on a tour of New Zealand, has been engaged by the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation and the FullerHayward Theatre Corporation, Ltd., to make personal appearances in the principal centres. In these lectures he will describe, among other things, his attempt to escape from Ripa Island; in Lyttelton harbour. From the stage he will recount in his own way the sensational story of his war adventures. He will tell of his amazing career as a raider, his adventures on the Seeadler, his capture by the British, and his escape from Motuihi Island, in Auckland.

Of the escape from Auckland many and varied have been the stories written, but for the first time Count von Luckner will give the authentic version, not only of the actual escape, but of the months of careful preparation which preceded it. , . In addition to this thrilling side of the count’s talks' he.has a message of peace among the nations of the world. The count, who during the war earned the reputation of being not only a redoubtable foe but a splendid gentleman and friend, has a dynamic personality. During his stay in Auckland he visited many old friends, and also various places connected with his internment during the war.. Count von Luckner received a tremendous ovation when he spoke at Wellington recently. So far from there being any hostile demonstration, the Count was warmly welcomed, hrs lecture was punctuated by repeated clapping, and afterwards it was fully half an hour before he was able to leave the Opera House, because of the crowd round the doors. , Among his audience were many uniformed soldiers. sailors, and returned war veterans, who listened raptly while the former enemy described how he evaded the British naval blockade in an antiquated sailing vessel. The box plans for the Count s Christchurch season are now open.