WAR-TIME ADVENTURES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22972, 25 February 1938, Page 14

WAR-TIME ADVENTURES

COUNT LUCKNER'S ADDRESS LARGE AUDIENCE AT TOWN HALL In spite of the distribution of, unfriendly pamphlets by persons outside the Town Hall last night to the large number of people who attended to hear Count von Luckner lecture on his wartime experiences as a sea raider, the count stepped on to the platform with a friendly smile which immediately won the admiration and rapt attention of an audience which numbered over 1000. Throughout his talk the speaker displayed histrionic ability which lent added interest to the tales he related of his exploits in the Seeadler. After tho playing of the British National Anthem Sir George Richardsou, who presided, introduced the speaker, and said ho respected the count for bis exploits and for liis chivalry during the war. Any agitation that might be displayed toward fighting men of another country, ho said, did not come from those who went to tho war. He assured those in doubt that the count's mission was not political. In acknowledging tho acclamation with which ho was greeted Count von Luckner said he was happy to be back in tho Dominion after 20 years. He had travelled 16,000 miles to renew his acquaintance with New Zealand people, whom ho had learned to 'love and admire during his captivity at Motuihi. For two hours the speaker gave a graphic account of his adventures as a raider in the sailing-ship Seeadler. The Countess von Luckner was on the platform with her husband during the address, and Major G. R. Blackett, who was officer of the guard which accompanied Count von Luckner back to Germany after tho war, was introduced to the audience by the count. '