SMUGGLED IN.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 2, 3 January 1924, Page 13

SMUGGLED IN.

JAPANESE LABOURERS. IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA. VIEWED WITH ALARM. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, December 27. Of recent years stories have frequently come down from Northern Australia of supposed smuggling of Japanese into the country from luggers along the coast, but 'generally "the stories have been found to be nothing more than fabrications. However there is no doubt about development* which occurred on the Kortb Queensland coast last week, for Japanese were actually smuggled into Australia, liave beon arrested, and are now imprisoned awaiting deportation. The smuggling is viewed with alarm here, nnd the Commonwealth Governnirnt ia considering what action will be taken. Two luggers were involved. Four Japanese were charged and convicted of being prohibited immigrants. The Japanese masters of the luggers were Miuilarily convicted for secretly bringing in prohibited immigrants and two indctured labourers were given one month's gaol. . Another Japanese was arrested, and it is expected that further arrests arc about to follow. During the police court proceedings, the Customs authorities told a story of exceedingly careful preparations made for illicit smuggling in of Japanese. The movements of the lugger Atbalie were closely detailed from the time she left Queensland for New Caledonia, where she picked up seven Japanese and returned to Flat Top off Mackay, early iv December. Waiting until dark, the vessel proceeded up the river and anchored. Haviiit called at New Caledonia, the boat was required to be inspected by tne quarantine authorities, but under cover of darkness seven Japanese were landed at Mackay in a dinghy. Next morning the boat was inspected and granted pratique, and remained in Mackay for several days. Prior to her departure, two of the Japanese returned and stowed away. The vessel sailed for Townsville, and when at the entrance to the harbour, ono Japanese was hidden among wood used for smoking fish, and the other under bags and tackle in the forepart of the vessel. The quarantine and Customs authorities inspected the vessel, which then entered and berthed in Ross Eiver. Later, during the night, the vessel wa3 visited by a certain Japanese, and the two stowaways went ashore with him. It was stated by the prosecution that the Athalie would be liable to a loss of £700 by the action of the Japanese master breaking the law, and smuggling in fellow-countrymen. The Japanese prisoners stated that they were suffering terrible privations in New Caledonia, where the cost of living was prohibitive, owing to the adverse exchange. They were unable to eke out a living, and tuat -was -n-hat forced them to enter Australia. They were overjoyed at the prospect of deportation to Japan. Their story docs not agree with that of the Customs authorities, and further developments are expected at an early date.