ESCAPES WITH A FLEET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18753, 5 January 1923, Page 5

ESCAPES WITH A FLEET

RUSSIAN ADMIRAL CHEATS BOLSHEVISTS. FOUNDS A CRUSOE COLONY.' Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, January 3. The Daily Mail’s Moscow correspondent reports that the Bolshevists are mourning the loss of their Far Eastern fleet, which, under the command of Admiral Stark, disappeared over the horizon from Vladivostock when the Reds occhpied the town .last month, and has not been heard of officially since. .Admiral Stark i.s a sturdy Imperialist, with loyal comrades. As soon as the Reds .appeared he pot up steam and sailed for an unknown destination. His fleet consists of two cruisers and half a dozen gunboats and destroyers, as well as several tramp steamers filled with a considerable number of infantry, women, and children, and live stock and provisions. One report states that Admiral Stark landed at a small port on the Kamschntka coast, where he has established a model colonv. and is fortifying the passes leading inland to prevent the Reds from attacking him. He has constructed largo barracks. 1 The forests provide him with all the fuel and building material which lie needs. Game is abundant, and the skins of bears will supply the members of the colony with abundant warm clothing and sleeping bags for tho women and children. Unfortunately, the Bolshevists do not recognise the romance of the venture, and denounce the admiral with considerable heat as a traitor. Thev have broadcasted messages declaring that if ho surrenders before January he will be granted a full amnesty. Admiral Stark commanded the Russian Port Arthur fleet at the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War. —A. and N.Z. Cable.