CUSTOMS OFFICERS SWARM OVER MARIPOSA

Chronicle (Levin), 11 July 1946, Page 5

CUSTOMS OFFICERS SWARM OVER MARIPOSA

Received Wednesday, 8.80 p.m. 8YUXEV, .July 10. A Customs examination- more rigorous than any in ]>rewar years, was iinposed on the Mariposa when slie arrived at Hydney todav from San Eraiu-iM-o via Auckland.' Everv niemhei oi' the crew has heen eonipelled to suh-jci-t everv peisontil dutiahle article in liis quarl ers, to a check whicli is so exliaust i\ e that it is doubtful whetlier ihe liner will sail on schedule at 5 p.m. tomorrow. The shi]i arrived inside the heads at 8 a.ni. and as she steamed up to the anchorage, the Customs launcii, crammed witli otlicials, followed lier. The Customs inspeetion, whicli hegan at 9 a.ni., was still going on tliis afternoon. Tlie Mari]iosa has a crew of 848 and 280 passeugers of wliom 130 are disenihiirkjng liere. Members of the crew handed in 'their cigarettes to he put in lioiid and cheeked. According to the sliip's senior ollicer, tliese made a forniidahle pile but there was no eviijence of large stocks heing brought «E,lt)ecifically for smuggling. Customs k ofiicers swarmed all over tlie ship from crowsnest to propellor shaft. To add to the passengers ' trouhles, Ihe watersiders refused to work tlie i ship hecause of the shiftwork dispute. Elewartls handled the passengers' personal luggage.