U.S. TARIFF

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1930, Page 5

U.S. TARIFF

AN EXCITING RACE. SAN FRANCISCO, June 26. Captain Charles McGowan, master of the Inter-Ocean Lino freighter Extravia, overcame obstacles of land and sea to win in a race against the new tariff. He came through a thick harbour fog and negotiated the heavy traffic of Philadeplhia’s 'busiest streets to reach the Customs house two minutes before the closing to .file •his vessel’s manifest and thus save thousands of dollars under the new tariff schedule which was then going /into effect. ' As the chunky but sturdy freighter h'bsed in indifferently through the swell during the night, with its holds ‘ crammed with olive oil from Italy, ' destined to embellish countless American salads, little did Captain McGowan realise what the day had in store for him . ’ ; Nearing Philadelphia, the Extravia’s master received the startling information. The new tariff rates would be in effect by midnight, he learned, and it meant higher duties on his cargo, The engine-room bells clanged. More speed, they demancl'ed. The boilers flared, and the pistons raced faster, but off the coast fog rolled in the vessel’s path, and Captain McGowan had to slow his 'ship down. Filially, the Extravia cleaved the mist just off quarantine ‘find dropped anchor. A puffy little river tug hove into view. Its siren wheezed a signal which the freighter answered, and a moment later the tuger closed in and tied up. Captain McGowan climlbed over the side of the Extravia and into the tug, which pulled away and crept through the fog toward land. On the pier an automobile was waiting. Captain McGowan 'boarded it, and then began a race against time through the heavy traffic. Just two minutes .before closing time the maniline pulled up in front of the ' ( Customs House, and Captain McGowan dashed into the building and filed (his vessel’s manifest with but seconds to spare and thousands of dollars saved.