CLAIMED THAT SEAMEN HAD BEEN SHOT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 9, 11 January 1941, Page 6

CLAIMED THAT SEAMEN HAD BEEN SHOT

DESERTER AT AUCKLAND

DID NOT WANT TO REJOIN HIS SHU'

[ Per Prsaii Association.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 10. When a Norwegian seaman, Arthur Ronning, pleaded guilty in the Police Court to charges of deserting the German ship Augsberg in Auckland in 1937 and entering New Zealand without a permit, his counsel, Mr. George Skelton, said after the arrival of the vessel from Panama four of the crew deserted in Australia. "Ronning informs me,” said counsel, "that they were collected and placed aboaru the ship before she left Australia for New Zealand and that on th.' voyage across they were shot. "Ronning says he refused to give the Heit Hitler salute. There were frequent lights aboard. He was afraid that if he went, back he would meet the same fate ;... the four who were shot.” The magistrate, Mr. F. H. Levien: Why didn't he go to the police and tell them about the four men being shot? Mr. Skelton: I suppose being a foreigner, he did not know what to do. “The Norwegian Consul says Ronning is a menace to other Norwegian crews who come to this port,” said a 'Customs Department official. “He has a conviction for theft and assault. 1 ask that he be kept in custody for six months until he can be deported and can be placed on Ihe first Norwegian ship 10 leave Auckland. A number of others are awaiting deportalion." On the second charge Ihe magistrate made an order for deportation and on the first charge convicted and discharged Ronning.