BRITISH GIRLS SMUGGLE SILK

Shannon News, 24 December 1925, Page 3

BRITISH GIRLS SMUGGLE SILK

MANNEQUINS WEAR SIX. SETS OF UNDERWEAR. Vigorous efforts are being made by the English Customs authorities to break up one of the most spectacular smuggling campaigns with which the Government has had to cope for many years. It is a corollary of Churchill’s new duties, particularly on silk goods, which came into operation two months ago. It is reported that several manner quins are being used to get silk underwear into the country by wearing <iix sets each trip. Women have neen discovered concealing silk stockings in muffs and neck! furs, and dven by wearing three pairs, although short skirts help the officials to spot those who resort to the latter tactics. It is a smuggling fever which some moralists saw was inspired by a sort of sporting spirit which involves no pricking of the conscience. The fact is that Churchill is levying such a ta* «a the) luxuries of the fair sex did not foresee Show far such a sporting spirit had been cultivated in King George’s realm* With the unearthing of the big conspiracy in which young and old appear heavily involved, drastic steps were taken. More baggage is now being turned out on the Dover piers than at any time within memory, and more travellers are distrait at the exr amination of their effects. The dutiable list now covers a long sheet of paper. Incoming travellers say it would require hours to ascertain if they have anything in their possession which might be taxed. Added to the confusion is the inability of travellers to obtain while on the Continent accurate details of what will be taxed on their arrival at British ports. Some British consulates and embassies appear as much in the dark about it as those anxious to avoid trouble. One man who took his car to France found that he was required to pay duty on some new enamel paint placed upon it while in Paris. The inducement to smuggle is pressing, because on a fid silk dress there Is a £3/10/- tax. Fishing smacks also are supposed to be engaged in the traffic.