PASSING THE CUSTOMS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 54, 27 November 1926, Page 24

PASSING THE CUSTOMS

WHERE TACT IS NEEDED

Every woman is a smuggler at heart, and the thousands returning from a holiday on the Continent just now make tho task of the Customs officer a very difficult one. The low rates of exchange tempt many women to purchase bargains in Paris and elsewhere. Many smugglers necessarily pass through undetected, yet it is not unusual to take £2OO a day in small fines at a busy port like Dover during the summer months. If travellers realised the big penalties they may incur by smuggling they

probably would not attempt it. After all, it is better to buy silk stockings in England at 6s. or 7s. a pair than be fined anything up to .£lOO for attempting to smuggle 35-frauc pairs from Paris.

Great tact is needed in dealing with women at tho Customs barrier. They have not the same objection to a “scene” ns men, and often try to bluff or cry their way to tho street. A travelling cushion under the arm of n woman who had passed the barrier nt a big station caught the eye of a new official a few weeks ago. He noticed Hint the cushion was tacked at the sides instead of being closely sewn. Calling (lie woman back, the official ripped open I lie cushion, ami revealed—a mackintosh 1

There was a litter from tho little crowd of onlookers which had gathered; but the officer was not to be deterred.

Noticing several unnecessary frills at. the seams, ho did some more ripping, and nulled out a new silk opera cloak I It had been sewn between the lining and the waterproof material. Many women attempt to walk through the Customs with a silk dress inside the eoat they carry over their arm. Clever as lliis trick sounds, it is easily detected by tho experienced officer. Ho can tell by the weight of the coat—which he holds while the passenger opens her bag —whether it has an illegal lining. The worst amateur smugglers—as distinct from those who make a living by smuggling "dope”—are the well-to-do. The more money a woman has the le.-s she seems to like parting with it! Occasionally. when half a dozen pairs of new silk stockings are discovered in her bag, a woman owns up frankly that she was smuggling. She usually gels off li'.-hflv—for saving limo! Many people wonder what happens if I hoy cannot pay (he fine. The goods are I'onfiscafed. and six months’ grace allowed in which to claim them. After 'l,nt they become I lie unwdv of Mr vvinslon Churchill, who usually dispose’ .if them for the benefit of Hie taxpayer. Tobacco is generally ’cut Io New. whore it is burnt and the ash used in cultivating rare plants. Cigar- are tested If thev pass they are sold, but if they foil ii'ev nre burnt at Row.