REFUGEES’ TREASURE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22242, 30 January 1947, Page 6

REFUGEES’ TREASURE

GOLD AND DIAMONDS HOARD OF NYLON HOSE (9 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 29. Fabulous wealth in gold bars, diamonds, banknotes and goods was carried in the steamer Hwalien. according to afternoon papers. The vessel arrived yesterday from Shanghai. Bullion discovered to-day by Customs officers in the baggage of refugees consisted of bars of gold each about 2in. long and 5-16 in. thick. These were declared by passengers on forms issued by the Customs when the ship arrived y'esterday, but a search for more has gone on steadily ever since.. The ship is believed to be the wealthiest of her size to enter the port for many years. No counterfeit English banknotes have yet been found, but detectives and bank officers are checking every note over £1 denomination.

Officers of the Hwalien say that they have never seen so complete a search. It is stated that 12 of 209 refugee Jews who travelled by the ship are of independent means, some having up to £50,000. Men with £4OOO and £SOOO in Australian and English banknotes are common among the passengers. The wharf shed is crammed with baggage and nailed and roped packing cases. It is reported that one man declared 70 dozen pairs of nylon stockings The fact that many of the refugees cannot speak English is complicating the Customs officers' task.