Apparently Count von Luckner and the men who accompanied him, having seized the scow Moa and made the members of its crew their prisoners, set sail for the Kermadec Islands, with the object of raiding the food depot which is maintained there. Fortunately, the probability that they would shape their course in this direction was not overlooked by the authorities, and the cable steamer Iris, which had been pressed into the search work, was despatched to the Kermadecs, where she intercepted and secured the fugitives. The circumstance that the Germans have not been able to make their escape good will afford, no doubt, particular pleasure to the officials of the Defence Department.
Port Old Identities
The Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association held its quarterly meeting in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. There was a very large attendance, as is usual at these functions — a fact which demonstrates the popularity they have achieved. The President (Mr D. A. De Maus) presided.Captain C. H. Welch kept the audience heartily amused with a humorous account of his experiences in bringing over a party of diggers from Sydney to the Dunstan. In 1861, said the speaker, on arriving in Sydney he found the city in a state of commotion over the selling of worthless scrip. Discontented buyers filled the town, and the unrest was increased by rumours that the bushranger Gardiner was in the neighbourhood. His attention was attracted by large cards scattered all over the city bearing the injunction: "Go to the Dunstan, Otago". The final result was that he decided to organise an expedition to transport miners to the Dunstan. It was not easy, however, to get the ship equipped amidst the prevailing disorder. (Applause).
Christmas greetings
The following greetings from the Minister of Defence has been promulgated by Major-general Robin, Commandant of the New Zealand Military Forces:-Greetings to all members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and Army Nursing Service. The time has come for another Christmas message to go forth from New Zealand to those who are upholding her honour on land and sea. Again we ask you to join with us at 8 o’clock on Christmas morning in prayer for protection and continued success." — ODT, 22.12.1917.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
