Von Luckner Arrives in Auckland

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 43, 21 February 1938, Page 7

Von Luckner Arrives in Auckland

Has Not Come to Talk Nazi Politics TRIP WEDDING GIFT TO WIPE Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. A vigorous denial that he intended to spread Nazi propaganda in New Zealand was given by Count Felix von Luckner, famous for his exploits in the Pacific during tfid war, when he arrived from Samoa to-day in his schoonerrigged auxiliary yacht Seeteufel. Count von Luckner described suggestions made in New Zealand to that effect as being ridiculous. “I am a sailor, and I have nothing to do with politics, ’ ’ Count von Luckner said. ‘‘ To think that I have travelled 1-6,000 miles merely to talk politics is foolish. Those who believe I mean to spread propaganda on behalf of Germany may come to my lectures and hear what I have to say. That should satisfy them.” Count von Luckner said that, although he was a prisoner in New Zealand during the war, he had many happy recollections of the country and wished to visit places which he knew and meet people whom he had met. When he married the Countess 10 years ago the best wedding present he could think of was to promise her a trip to the Dominion, and this was a realisation of that desire. Asked how long he intended to stay in the Dominion, the Count said he had no idea. “I went to America for a year, but I stayed seven,” he added.