COASTGUARDS DEFIED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 128, 12 March 1931, Page 8

COASTGUARDS DEFIED.

SMUGGLERS WHO THRIVE. ALARM IN IRISH FREE STATE. A considerable increase in smuggling a]ong considerable stretches of the Irish coast has lately been causing grave alarm to the Irish Free State Revenue Commissioners. There is evidence that wines and spirits, tobacco, laces and other taxable commodities are being imported into the country duty free in large quantities. In several Irish villages it is possible to purchase French brandy at os a bottle and good cigars at 10s a box. A “Sunday Chronicle’’ correspondent states that he recently encountered a foreigner in a west coast hotel who, after a few cautious'“feelers,” offered him brandy and cigars at the prices mentioned. All the “stuff,” lie added, was being smuggled in by French own- , ers of motor fishing smacks. Apparently these men have Irish i agents who are willing to take the risk entailed. There are 300 bleak and inhospitable miles of coast along the southern and western seaboard sfclmirnbly suited to the requirements of “free traders.” There are innumerable deep and sheltered creeks, and, though the existing revenue forces are smart enough, it would require a force of coastguards 10 times larger than the present one to keep adequate watch. The Free State Government’s revenue craft number less than a dozen petrol launches or cutters. One other profitable sideline of the ‘smugglers was discovered by accident. In another hotel within a few miles of tlie one where the correspondent met the avowed smuggler he noticed a magnificent radio set ot French make. The landlord, to whom the visitor had been talking about smuggling, saw that lie was admiring the set. He smiled and winked broadly. “Yes,” lie said, “that too came in without paying a, penny import duty.”