Wholesale Smuggling.

Manawatu Herald, 5 August 1897, Page 2

Wholesale Smuggling.

'-+ — A sensational seizure of a ship by the Customs officers occurred on Monday at the Victoria Dock, Melbourns. The ship £hos, from Hamburg, was being searched, and the case soon developed into one of serious magnitute. A great quantity of spirits and tobacco Were found concealed all over tbe vessel* In the pantries and bins and under the top dressing of the floor were found some 200 bottles of brandy and whisky and some tobacco. A large water-tank was packed with bottles of spirits. A large box for provisions was stored with spirits and tobacco underneath a layer of potatoes. Tbe saloon contained a couple of cabinets in the corner, and behind these were piles of match-boxes packed with tobacoo and cigars. In tbe captain's quarters the places of concealment were ingenious. The walls were pannelled and covered with looking glasses. Behind these were large receptacles filled with bottles of spirits. The chief officer's cabin contained similar plants between the panels and the ship's side. Six lorry loads of dutiable goods have been removed from the vessel, and there are still several loads to be carried away. Captain Johnsen explains that the goods undeclared were intended for a friend who is about to engage in the copra trade with tbe Islands.