BIG HAUL OF OPIUM

I SMUGGLED IN STEAMER'S COAL BUNKERS. (By Teksroph.—Press Association.! Auckland, May 7. What is probably the biggest haul of opium ever made in New Zealand was effected by the Auckland Customs officials when the steamer Inverstay arrived from New York to-day. It is stated that although special vigilance was exeicised on the arrival of the vessel, owing to tho fact that she had 19 Chinese working below in the engineroom, there was nothing to cause suspicion on tho preliminary examination being made. Subsequently the Customs officers tore up tho planking of the coal bunkers and found a large quantity of opium stowed away. Altogether 437 tins were brought out,( and it is estimated that tho value, of the seizure is at least £1000.. But for the fact that the coal bunkers were empty when the vessel arrived in port, it is probable that the discovery would not have been made.