Detention ‘Not Ruse’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31169, 20 September 1966, Page 3

Detention ‘Not Ruse’

(N.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON, September 19. A detention order served on Radio Hauraki’s ship Tiri, requiring her to undergo a survey before she is cleared to go to sea, was quite normal, said sources close to the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott). Mr Scott was not available to comment on the action of his department

An official in Wellington said the regulations under which the Tiri was being detained were designed for the safety of all those concerned.

The detention order was not a ruse to keep Radio Hauraki from operating but a genuine reason required under law until a ship had been surveyed, he said. The Tiri has not been surveyed for more than a year. Radio Hauraki directors do not think the Government’s action will effect their longterm plans to go on the air. “Actually, we don’t think the order is to stop us putting to sea. We think it is to stop us leaving without a certificate of completion,’* said Mr

D. Lowe, one of the directors. “The Tiri has actually been examined by Marine Department people here in Auckland and we understand they consider it to be in pretty good condition.

“Radio Hauraki’s lawyers are now examining the situation. “At the moment, while the legal side is looked into, we are taking the detention order as a chance to get some sleep,” said Mr Lowe. For many weeks the pirates have been working late into the night on their ship and on broadcasting and recording equipment They had hoped to be broadcasting before their target date of October 1.