MODERN RUM-RUNNERS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18372, 4 May 1925, Page 9

MODERN RUM-RUNNERS.

STIRRING SCENE IN NEW YORK HARBOUR. (aEtCIAL 10 "*HB MUMS.") WELLINGTON. May 3. A talc of rum-running--in New York harbour was brought to Wellington by the vessel Puriri, now in port hero. It was a foggy evening in March, when the Puriri, bound for Auckland, pulled out from her berth in New York and steamed slowly down the harbour. Even though ho had a pilot on board, Captain Pickworth was niot satisfied with the weather, and so, when only a quarter of a mile or less So from i New York docks, he hove to and let go his cable, waiting for n better chance of vision. The cftptairr ami pilot were together in the master's cabiu when they heard a continued popping of 'machitje gun fire. Tho pilot was off hand about it. "It's only an excise bdat after a rum runner," he said, and dismissed the ihatter from his mind, but to the master of the Puriri such things did not come in a dailv round. When called on deck by the second officer a few minutes later, the captain went willingly. Tho faint popping SOW had swelled to the recognisable "clatter of machine guns. There was a glow in tho fog, a bright beam, which moved in a short arc and • emphasised the density of the clinging vapour. Suddenly there came 4 rush arid slither of foam arid a powerful 35 foot launch shot from the obscurity into the short circle of tho watchers' vision. She Was fast. She did a good 35 to 40 kh6ts' its She BW«ri£ Wide with Bhots creaming the Water all about her and hugged round the Puriri's stern. Right ahead wont the boat, her niachiie gun still splattering, though" now no answering fife cante front tftd shift ahead. • In a moment the fast rum-chaser was swallowed by the fog, while the prey she *<mghfc swefit found the b6W of the merchant vessel, cased up and came to rest. It lasted only a few seconds, this glimpse of modern smugglers being' ing pursued, bilt for two hours the unknown launch remained under the counter of the Puriri and then stole away to sonie apooi&ted spot to discharge her unlawful cargo.