CUSTOMS BUNGLE

Evening Star, Issue 25926, 18 October 1946, Page 7

CUSTOMS BUNGLE

Confusion on Sydney Wharf

' . t Hours in Clearing Monterey

Strike Adds to Trouble (Rec. 12.30 p.m. SYDNEY, October 18. What is described as the worst Customs and disembarkation bungle ever seen on the Australian waterfront occurred ■ when die Monterey arrived from San Francisco with 865 passengers. Although the ship docked at 4 p.m., passengers were still awaiting for Customs clearances at 11 p.m. Because of the wateraiders’ strike, the crew and passengers unloaded the baggage, and the officials were unable to cope with the task of examining 10,000 pieces of, luggage. The ordeal began when the Monterey entered the heads at 12,30 p.m. for medical examination and clearance formalities, which took more than two hours. In the wharf confusion, several women and children collapsed, and had to receive first aid. Passengers* assisted, where possible, by even descending to the hold to manhandle baggage. One Canadian seized , the microphone of the loudspeaker system, and managed to restore s6me order. The main cause of the delay was the tightening up of Customs examination recently ordered from Canberra, and the inadequacy of the staff, who had to examine every article of luggage from suitcases to cabin trunks. Customs officials sorting declaration forms had to erect a barrier round their fable as a protection from the crowd. When the examination ceased for the night it was found that hundreds of passengers had left their baggage lying on the wharf in order to secure hotel accommodation. Many missed trains and planes. The shed was locked at 11 p.m. and special guards were posted.