500 Raider Victims Rescued

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 1, 2 January 1941, Page 6

500 Raider Victims Rescued

Picked Up From Small Pacific Island

PRIME MINISTER’S CHEERING ANNOUNCEMENT

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Jan. 1. Making an important announcement on Tuesday night, the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) said: “I have pleasure in announcing that a ship from Australia has rescued 500 persons who had been landed on December 21 from an enemy commerce raider on the small island of Emirau, in the Bismarck Group north of New Guinea. “Information ia still incomplete, but it is believed the survivors from the Turakina, Notou and Ringwood, and possibly certain service personnel from other vessels, are still on board the raider and no news of the landing of these people has yet been received. “It is reported, though confirmation, is still awaited, that there were only 23 survivors from the Turakina, which is stated to have fought the raider for 2| hours. “The rescued people are of British, French and Norwegian nationality and include 70 women and children. They are from the passengers and crews of the following ships:—Komata, Rangitane, Holmwood, Tnone, Vinni, Triaster and Triadic. The next of kin of those belonging to New Zealand are being informed by telegram as definite information comes to hand. ‘*l very much regret that there were some casualties on these ships and the following are reported to have lost their lives. “Rangitane passengers: Miss Scott, Miss Beeston, Mrs. Davies, Miss Her-bert-Jones, Mr. Tocker, Mr. Dixon (whose parents reside in Wellington). “All the above-named were Teturniug td the United Kingdom after acting as escorts to the British children sent to Australia. “Rangitane crew: Messrs. W. Moore, F. Strickfuss, S. F. Strickfull and Miss Skinner (stewardess). In addition, Mrs. Oostella (stewardess) is missing and believed dead. “Komata: Chief Officer T. A. Mack, of New Zealand; Second Officer J. L. Hughes, of New Zealand. “Triadic: One Filipino. “Trione: Four Filipinos. “I would like to express my sincere sympathy, which I’m sure, is shared by all in New Zealand, with the relatives of these unfortunate people. “ There is every reason to believe that this is the full list of casualties on the Rangitane, Komata, Triadic and Trione, and that there were no casualties on the Holmwood, A inni or Triaster. But as detailed information comes to hand those of the next of kin who are in New Zealand will be informed as soon as possible by telegram. ’ *