Busy Smugglers

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6866, 24 May 1932, Page 8

Busy Smugglers

EFFECT OF BRITISH TARIFF CONTRABAND TRADE INCREASES A startling increase in smuggling goods into Britain since the tariffs on certain articles came into being has led to the formation of posses of amateur coastguards in all parts of the country. It is believed that intensive smuggling is going on via the River Thames, and that all kinds of goods aro being landed on the Essex side of the river. In Southend a marine section of the Legion of Frontiersmen has been formed to keep a sharp watch on the coast. Members are former naval officers and skilled yachtsmen who know the district thoroughly, and aro prepared to patrol the coast at any time of the day or night. They have been given permission to anchor their craft at a creek of Leigh-o -Sea. Another part of tho Essex coast believed to be used by smugglers is between Clacton and Burnham. In parts it is very desolate, and one can spend hours there without meeting a soul. Many rumours are current in the neighbourhood of the River Blackwater that smugglers are busy in the district. The land in this district is fiat and marshy, and convenient for boats coming over by night from France, Holland and Belgium. The principal articles carried aro wines, spirits, tobacco, silks, scents and dresses. The smugglers uso fast motor boats, and keep in touch with the shore agents by means of short-wave wireless tclcpnoiiy. In some instances, fast cars also fitted with wireless wait to collect the material and rush it to the various disposal stations in London. Horseshoe Dock, Dagenham, is a point where Customs officers have difficulty in reaching, and many strange craft have been seen in the vicinity recently. In case of being boarded by Customs agents many smugglers have their goods done up in waterproof wrappings and trail them under water.