REFUGEES WITH BARS OF GOLD

Chronicle (Levin), 30 January 1947, Page 8

REFUGEES WITH BARS OF GOLD

4 Received Wednesday, 9.45 p.m. SYDNEY, Jan, 29. Fabulous wealth in gold bars, diamonds and bank-notes and goods was carried in the steamer Hwalien, according to the afternoon papers. Bullion discovered today by Customs officers in the haggage of refugees consisted of bars of gold each about two inches long and five-sixteenths of an inch thick. These were declared hy passengers on forms issued by tbe Customs when the ship arrived yesterday hut .the seareh for more has gone on steadily ever since. The ship is believed to be the wealthiest' of her size to enter port for many years. No counterfeit English bank-notes have yet been found but detectives and bank officers are checking every note over the one pound denomination. Officers of the Hwalien say they have never seen so complete a searph. It is stated that twelve of the 209 refttgee Jews who travelled hy the ship are of independent means, some having up to £50,000. Men with £4000 to £5000 in Australian and English banknotes are common among the passengers. The wharf shed is crammed with baggage and nailed and roped packing cases. It is reported that one man declared 70 dozen pairs of nylon stockings. The fact that many refugees cannot speak English is complicating the Customs' task which is expected to last into tomorrow.