SMUGGLED RICHES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 468, 25 September 1928, Page 9

SMUGGLED RICHES

CAVERN FILLED WITH GOODS KING’S CAPTURED BOOTY In the deep recesses of the earth beside the Thames, near Billingsgate, undetected by the towering cranes and chugging barges overhead, lies hidden a veritable smugglers’ cavern which is maintained in the name of the King of England. It is the King’s wharehouse where all the “smuggled” silken frivolities of femininity, the cigarettes, the French liquors and a thousand and one other articles confiscated by his Majesty’s Customs officials are stored. Here it has stood for more than a century, a den worthy of Captain Hood and his merry men, but unsuspected by the passers by. A steep flight of steps leads to a long, low room which the sun never penetrates. It is piled high with barrels and crates, mysterious looking boxes and parcels and row upon row of bottles which play hide and seek with the crude yellow glare of the lights and the dim, musty shadows. The guardian of the treasure wears a peaked cap and looks as though he might start singing “Yo, ho, ho! and a bottle of rum!” any minute. One looks through the gloom for the gleam of golden earrings and dark eyes beneath black curly hair, the flash of cutlasses against red sashes. Instead, only a row of desks are seen, presided over by his Majesty’s trusty officials in correct morning coats and nicely creased trousers. Captain Hood and his men are vanished, but the “booty” still remains—to be checked and counted.

The “booty” is sold twice a year by auction and includes goods salvaged from vessels as well as the Customs confiscations. The public and people from the trade bid for them and the proceeds of their sales goes to the common revenue fund.