The depression of the 1930 ’ s brought a collapse in prices for the Stünzner crops . Along with most plantation owners , the Stünzners struggled to make ends meet . Not only had Kurt and Fritz Jnr married and moved on but Albi had headed to Germany for training in engineering . Then a hard emotional blow – last daughter , Trude , emigrated to Germany in 1938 to join her sisters and make her way in life . The house at Tuvao was now largely unoccupied .
By 1939 , Fritz was worn out and ill . He was advised to move to a cooler climate for the sake of his health . In June 1939 , as the clouds of war gathered , Fritz and Mary left Samoa for Germany .
This photo shows Mary bidding farewell to her sister Katherina Hufnagel and brother Augustus Betham .
Stünzner Family Collection
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