SKIPS’ DRY LAW.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1923, Page 2

SKIPS’ DRY LAW.

FORCING THE ISSUE. AUSTItAt.IAN AM) X.Z. CAIILE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, June 22 Quite a fleet of large liners, including the While Star liners Olympic and Cedric and the Cunard liners Berengaria, Aqiiitania, Oaronia, and Albania, are co-operating in providing test cases in America by carrying, under seal, liquor for their return journeys from America. The shipping companies have notified the British Government of their planThe latter, so tar. is not taking official cognisance of tins matter. A high official in the Foreign Office made a statement to-day saying: “Wo have mi official knowledge of the sealing up of liquor aboard the Berengaria or any other ship. In any case, wlmt becomes of it after it has left our waters is okno account so far as tho British Customs are concerned. If trie American Government seizes, confiscates, or throws this liquor overboard within its three-mile limit, we cannot protest. They would he acting in noeontance with international law. Any possible test case will simply bo between tin* American Government and tiie British shipping companies.” LINERS ARRIVE WITH LIQUOR. NEW YORK, June 22 The long-awaited “show-down” between the United States Government and the British prohibition ruling, came to-day, when the White Star liner Baltic arrived, carrying a quantity of liquor, under a British Customs seal, for the ship's use on her return voyage. This was reported by the .captain on the manifest, on receipt of which, the Washington Treasury Department ordered its seizure. The Baltic arrived unexpectedly, as the Federal officers were waiting down the bay for the Berengerin, which was also carrvirng sealed liquor, as a test, and which also was ordered to bo seized when tlx* vessel docks. So far, the Treasury officials have refused to state what form the seizure would take, but it is presumed that the British seals will be broken. BRITISH SEALS BROKEN. NEW YORK, June 23. The U.S.A. Customs authorities have broken the British seals on the seized liquor on tho Atlantic liners. The captain of the Baltic presented a protest after the seizure. The removal of the liquor was halted by tho Customs, pending a decision by the health officials as to whether the liquor is immune as medical stores. LIQUOR TAKEN AWAY. NEW YORK, June 23. Later news shows that- the seizure of liquor on the Baltic has been completed. The liquor has been sent to a warehouse, and the captain has been a receipt for it. MORE SEIZURES. NEW YORK, June 23. At Mobile, Alabama, tho Customs officials have seized alcoholic supplies ou the Norwegian steamers Sousa and Smaragd. These are the first actual seizures under the new law. CANADA’S REFUSAL. WASHINGTON. June 23 Canada has refused the United States request that the Dominion shall restrict tho exportation of liquor and shall slop rum-running across the border. Last March, -Mr Hughes (U.S. Secretary of State) sent a Note ao Ottawa, calling attention to the difficulty experienced in enforcing prohibition, because boats were permitted to load liquor cargoes, and make regular Customs clearance. Mr Hughes suggested that Canada withhold clearance papers unless an importation permit were obtained. s To this Canada replied on Friday, stating that Canada does not prohibit the exportation of liquor, and therefore there is no reason why clearance should be refused, merely because enj try is prohibited at the port of the destination.

As these notes passed through Sir A. Geddes (British Minister to U.S.A.) it is assumed that the British Government has approved of the Canadian reply. which evidently is also influenced !>v the rejection of the Bills on the matter on June 21. DRV LAW REPEALED. OTTAWA, June 23 Winnipeg and Manitoba in a referendum, have voted to adopt the system of Government sale of liquor, thus replacing complete prohibition, which is now the law. Winnipeg gave the new proposal a majority of 20, 000. _