FLIGHT FROM FRANCE

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23130, 20 September 1940, Page 2

FLIGHT FROM FRANCE

adventurous journey

TO ENGLAND

LADY WILFORD ARRIVES IN NEW ZEALAND

(press association telegram.)

AUCKLAND, September 19. By a grubby collier, on which six fifth columnists aimed to do their utmost for the enemy, and by a troopshin Lady Wilford, widow of Sir Thomas Wilford, a former High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, managed to escape from southern France a few days before the German invasion, and has now arrived at Auckland. „ ' , Advised by the British Consul at Cannes on June 17 to leave within 12 hours, Lady Wilford, with 700 evacuees, left the following day for Gibraltar in a small collier. Developing engine trouble, the collier put into Port ✓Vendres, and thus -lost the convoy. After leaving Port Vendres the collier was attacked by a submarine, which had received torch signals from the six fifth columnists on board, and it was only through the captain's skill that they were saved from the torpedo, which missed, and the shells, which fell wide. When the collier’s gun was manned, the submarine dived, and was seen no more. Desperate, the six enemy agents then attempted to seize the ship, but were overpowered and placed in irons. Lady Wilford was in the after hold during the trouble. On reaching Gibraltar the evacuees were transferred to a troopship which, with 1400 evacuees and 450 troops, arrived safely at England. An Englishwoman who also fled from southern France said that five of six Italian aeroplanes which harassed them on the road from Vence to Cannes were shot down.

Lady Wilford said she was very glad to be back in New Zealand. She left by the Limited for Wellington.

ENGAGEMENTS

The engagement' is announced of Haddln Franlt, third son of Mr and Mrs George Blair. Richmond, Nelson, to Enid Joyce, second daughter of the Rev. and, Mrs C. H. Kendon, Westport. The engagement is announced of Gordon, only son of Mr and Mrs J. C. Prior. Thundersley. Essex, England, to Muriel, second daughter of Mr and Mrs J, A. East, Papanui, Christchurch. The engagement is announced of Ailsa, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Alan Fleming. Timaru, and David William, eldest son of Mr and Mrs D. J, Morrow. Montalto.

CURTAILMENT OF SALE OF LIQUOR SOUGHT

Approval of the action of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in requesting the Government to curtail the sale of alcoholic liquors was expressed In a resolution carried at a recent meeting of the Christian Youth Council. The council represents Bible classes, the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Young Women’s Christian Association, and other Christian youth organisations.