Von Luckner’s Yacht Becomes Polling Booth

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 6

Von Luckner’s Yacht Becomes Polling Booth

German Nationals Vote on Plebiscite TRIP OUTSIDE THREE MILE LIMIT Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night, l or the first time in the history of New Zealand a plebiscite of German nationals on an issue affecting the future of their country was conducted to-day outside territorial waters. Twenty-five Germans and two Austrians, all either residents of or visiters to the Dominion, recorded their votes in favour of the union of Germany and Austria brought ou by Herr Hitler’s recent coup. There were no disentieuts. Although Australian German nationals held a similar plebiscite a few days ago, no decision to conduct one in New Zealand was made until Tuesday by the German Consul. Dr. Walter Hellenthai, of Wellington. Use of the North German Lloyd steamer Anhalt at present visiting Auckland was at first considered. Consideration of the delay she would be caused then persuaded Dr. Hellenthai to send a telegram to Count Felix von Luckner asking him if he would place his yacht Beeteufel at the disposal of German nationals w ishing to vote.

The count readily agreed, and so tho voting was held on the deck of the Seeteufel. Von Luckner himself was unable to return to Auckland for the purpose, and since no other plebiscite on union will be held in New Zealand, he will not be able to record his vote one wav or the other. In his stead the yacht was taken to sea by one of his officers.

Dr. Hellenthai came to Auckland this morning especially for the plebiscite. For the purposes of the vote it was necessary to take the Seetcufel at least three miles from port, or outside territorial waters. To make absolutely sure that the polling did not take place within New Zealand territorial limits, Dr. Hellenthai said he ordered the Seeteufcl to steam for another hour even after territorial limits had been passed, so the vote was taken about 10 miles out from Rangitoto. The ship left her berth at the slipway wharf soon after 10 a.m. after the voters had met outside the chief post office, and the voting was held at about 1.30, after which the yacht was brought back te Auckland, tying up again shortly before 5 o’clock.

Included among the voters were seven officers from the Anhalt, eight men left on board the Seeteufcl and a number of prominent Germans living in Auckland and Wellington. Four women cast their votes. The only Austrian living at Wellington came post haste to Auckland for the purpose, and the other Austrian lives in Auckland.

Dr. Hellenthai said those on board represented a large proportion of tho Germans in New Zealand who have not faken out nationalisation papers. Before they were allowed to vote every member of the party had to satisfy a special committee of his rights as a German citizen. When this was done, each was issued with a voting paper prepared for the purpose in New Zealand. At J. 30 each person was sent individually to a cabin set aside fo* the purpose so votes would be cast secretly. After this the papers were placed in a special box, and the vote* were later counted by Dr. Hellenthai and a committee of three assistants. Both the papers showing voters the ripht to record their opinion and those placed in the box will be sent to Germany, \ at the result will be cabled immediate!?.

The voting papers explained in German tho purpose of the plebiscite and also had places for recording the opisuso of voter*. At the bottom of each papain the centre was a large square with “Ja” or “Yes” over the top. In the right-hand bottom corner was a smaller square with “Nein” or No above it. A cross in cither square signified tho voters opinion. “No ciosses were put in the ‘nein' squares because they have been waiting fo long for this.” said Dr. Hellenthai. “We asked the two Austrians to put their papers in tho box before any of the others. For them the reunion of the two countries, to vote yes or no, was like New Zealanders voting for the union of the North and South Islands. There were tears in their eyes as they put tho papers in the ballot box. It was a happy day for them as it was for all of ufi. It meant so much to us that we felt we were home again.”