ARRESTED IN SWEDEN

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 36

ARRESTED IN SWEDEN

A CHRISTCHURCH MAN’S JuUOK.

Mr Harry L. Bourk, of Christchurch, had been for 14 months in Norway when war broke out, and then went on to Sweden (says the British Australasian). Wandering about Stockholm one day he saw a largo gate open, and a party oi people being received w.th some ostentation. Ho joined the little throng from curiosity, and found himself admitted to an important naval dockyard. the gueet, in whose train he was assumed to be, being a famous general. Lying in dock was a warsfi.p unlike any Mr Bourk has seen in his somewhat extensive travels, and while he was standing examining the ship he was accosted in Swedish by an official. Ho replied hi Norwegian, being unable to speak Swedish, although ho could understand it. Instantly ho was taken into- custody, removed to a room, interviewed by the police, ■,nd searched. Two letters only were found on him, one written in Norwegian from an American friend, introducing n.m to a man in and the other a postcard from a Swedish friend. The travel diary, which would have complicated matters exceedingly, and which he carried in the inside pook&t of liis waistcoat, they* did not find. Knowing, from experience in the United ©cates and in Norway, that the Norwegians emigrate in large numbers, he gave his birthplace as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. A. Ho vouchsafed no information _ save in answers to definite questions, reserving his two items of truth for his name and present address, which happened to bo the Hotel England. The police at once rang up the hotel, and asked whether a man of his name was staying there, and what address he gave. “ San Francisco,” was the reply, and again the traveller was able to thank his lucky stars that it had not been “ New Zealand.’’ The information appeared to bo correct, the police officer said. On the other hand it might not be. He inquired as to Mr Bourk’e plans, and finding that he was travelling through the country, advised him to make it convenient to conclude his tour of Sweden before the next morning. This Mr Bourk did, and went on to England. No less than four of his brothers are fighting in., the Dardanelles, one at present being in hospital wounded. He hopes that he may be able to join the Royal Flying Corps.