ISLAND TRADER SEIZED.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1813, 28 July 1913, Page 5

ISLAND TRADER SEIZED.

CAPTAIN PINED .£3OO. For some time past the movements of a Japanese trading vessel, named the Adele, in tho Solomon group, have created some cxcitemcnt among those interested in the Island trade. The vessel made her appearance in the group somewhat suddenly, lrom the Far East, and the captain when questioned regarding his visit merely remarked, "We continue to look." The matter, was reported to Mr. C. M. Woodford, the British Commissioner m tho Solomon group, by Captain Champion, the master of the Ringdove—a rcfpilar Island trader and ho (the Commissioner) proceeded: in his yacht, tho Bellama, to hold an investigation. The vessel was reported to be in the Santa Cruz group, engaged collecting trocas shell. Not having reported at lu- ■ lagi, the headquarters of the Government, and obtained a license, the captain had no right to engage in the industry. Ihe Commissioner found the "Jap.' ' vessel at tltopia, and he promptly seized her. She was taken in tow by the Bellama, and brought to Tulagi. Here the captain was tried, the -result being that he was ordered to pay a fine of .£3OO. The money was not forthcoming, so the vessel ivas seized. The captain, of the schooner, it reported by the Sydney "Telegraph,' is coming to Sydney by the Mindini, for the purpose of consulting the Japanese Consul, and obtaining the amount of the fine. It is stated that the Adele had previously taken two shipments of shell to Noumea.