MARAMA’S SECOND OFFICER ARRESTED

Horowhenua Chronicle, 30 June 1933, Page 3

MARAMA’S SECOND OFFICER ARRESTED

Sequel to Silver Search POLICE OBJECTIONS TO BAIL OVERRULED » AUCKLAND, Last Night. When the Marama arrived froih Wellington this afternoon the police boarded the vessel and arrested the second officer and the seventh engineer on charges of attempting to export silver from New Zealand without a. permit from the Minister.

Later Stanley Arthur Smith, aged 33, second officer, and William Henry Nov, aged 27, seventh engineer, appeared before Mr Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court, Smith being charged with attempting to export silver to the value of £Bl and Noy with attempting to export silver to the value of £65. Mr Allan Moody appeared for the accused.

Detective-Sergeant McHugh said each warrant was issued by the Customs authorities at Wellington. He asked that both men be remanded to appear in Wellington to-morrow. Mr Moody said both accused would plead not . guilty. Both were well known in the Union Company. Smith had bedn on the Mararaa for the last five years. If they could not be remanded on bail for 34 days so that they coultj. sail by the Marama for Sydney and return within 14 days, counsel asked that they be remanded to appear in Wellington in a few days’ time. Detective McHugh said he was instructed to oppose bail in both cases, also to object to any further remand Mr Hunt said he must obey the warrant, which asked that they appear h\ Wellington to-morrow. He was will-, ing to allow bail. Mr Moody: “They will not be tried to-morrow, therefore*a few days longer on remand won’t do any harm. I can put up cash bonds in each case to ensure that they appear. I am prepared to admit that silver was found in their possession in Wellington. The whole point is one of law. The ship left Wellington for Auckland, and not for Australia. There is no proof that they were taking any silver to Australia. Detective McHugh: “The allegations by the Wellington police are that they had specially fitted-up belts to put round their bodies to carry silver.” Mr Moody: “They were not arrested in Wellington.’’ Detective McHugh: “I can explain that. The reason they were not arrested was that it would have meant delaying the departure* of the Marama from Wellington on Tuesday night till late, and the master required the second officer for navigation purposes. That is why he was not arrested-” After further argument the magik strate adjourned the case until late

to enable Mr Moody to telephone Wellington and ascertain if a further remand could be granted. Subsequently Detective McHugh said: “I have been instructed to ask that bail should not be granted until' after 3 o’clock to-morrow afternoon, when the Marama sails for Sydney.’ * Mr iHunt; “What’s the idea of thatf They are entitled to bail now.” Detective McHugh: “I am unable to disclose the reason.” Mr Moody: “I ask that these men be remanded until next Wednesday. Why should they remain in custody till the ship sails ? ” Mr Hunt: “Certainly. Why should' they? Just because the police want them to?” Mr Moody; “They are prepared to go with a responsible police officer while they get their belongings and then they will not return to the ship again.’’ , Mr Hunt: “Will you men undertake to keep away from the ship?” “Yes, sir,” they replied. The Magistrate then remanded both men to appear at Wellington on July] 5. Each man was allowed bail, in £SO.