CHEAP PASSAGES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1549, 28 August 1886, Page 3

CHEAP PASSAGES.

Thirteen young fellows, whose age*varied between 17 and 22, were charged before the West Ham magistrate the other day with being stowaways on board ihe outward-bojjnd ] steamer Arawa, with intent to obtain a passage without the consent of the owners, charterers; and master thereof.". The steamer Arawa left tbe Victoria Oocks for New Zealand on May 20, and on its arrival at Gravesend it was searched in the usual way fur stowaways, and eight young fellows were . discovered and • put ashore. The veese then went to Plymouth, where founeen more men were found, and they were also put ashore, and tbe vessel proceeded. After it had passed the Eddy stone Lighthouse the thirteen prisoners and another man “showed themselves ” on deck, and it was then discovered that they had built a house for themselves with one of'the coal bunkers. Tl.ry were taken on to Toneriffe, and, being banded over to the Consul, they were sent back in custody by the steam' l Coptic; buTat Gravesend one of the tn. »>■ got away. The prisoners now all p'lt-dd “ guilty,” and said that they worked h .id from the time they were found «>" . They complained that they weregimn but little food. Mr Philips said ihe ■towing away was a serious off. oce, though the prisoners seemed to think light of it. They had escouced themselves among the coal, and-if any of them had bad matches they might have caused an explosion. They « ere liable to a flue of £2O or rhree months’ imprisonment, bpt he Would now only call on them to pay 10s and the costs, or 14 days. i • -