LINER SEARCHED FOR SILVER.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20893, 28 June 1933, Page 13

LINER SEARCHED FOR SILVER.

■ « ■ NIAGARA BOARDED BY OFFICIALS. THOROUGH SEARCH REVEALS NO COIN. (THE rRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, June 27. Every corner of the liner Niagara that might have been used to hide silver coin was thoroughly searched by a party of police and Customs officials before the departure of the vessel for .Vancouver at 11.45 a.m. Although the search occupied nearly four hours, no indication was found that any of the passengers or crew was attempting to evade the New Zealand Government's ban on the export of silver. The search party, under DetectiveSergeant McHugh, acting-chief detective in Auckland, comprised four detectives, two sergeants, eight constables, and eight customs officials. Their operations did not delay the vessel, and in spite of the thoroughness of the search, which necessitated investigation in most out-of-the way places, little or no inconi venience was caused. The passengers were not examined; but a quantity of luggage was inspected carefully on the liner. The party proceeded in a systematic manner that left nothing to chance. All cabins, including those of the officers, were searched, particular attention being paid to bedding, lockers, and cupboards. The officials examined the crew's quarters, and descended into the en-gine-room and freezers. The propeller tunnel was searched with the aid of electric torches, and the holds were combed thoroughly. A detailed examination was made of the ship's and in the galley stoves and even pots and pans were not allowed to escape notice. Cupboards in every part of the ship were opened and searched, while bathrooms, dining-rooms, lounges, and

even the wireless room were visited. The searchers looked inside the piano and groped round the chain lockers, on the deck. The bridge and chart-room | did not escape suspicion, while the covers were removed from the lifeboats. It was not until every likely corner had been combed that the officials were satisfied and left the ship. Similar searches will be made in future of all vessels leaving for overseas. AT WELLINGTON. NO SILVER FOUND ABOARD MAUNGANUI. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAU.) WELLINGTON, June 27. Since 10 o'clock this morning a large body of uniformed police and officers in plain clothes have been searching the Maunganui for silver. However, no silver was found when the search was finished at 3 p.m. Police officers were at the gangway all last night to see that no silver was smuggled on board. The Maunganui sailed at 3 p.m. for Sydney. MARAMA SEARCHED. (PRESS ASSOCIATION Tar,ECi3A.'X.) WELLINGTON, June 27. Between 40 and 50 police and Customs officials marched aboard the Marama as the gangway was about to be withdrawn at 9 o'clock this evening, and immediately began a search for silver. The vessel was to have sailed for Auckland, en route for Sydney, but so far an unsuccessful search is still being continued.