“Nobody Works in This Country”

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 147, 24 June 1939, Page 4

“Nobody Works in This Country ”

Awatea’s Master Fed Up With Stowaways COMING IN SHOALS, HE SAYS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 23. The increasing popularity of stowing away on trans-Tasman liners was the subject of caustic comment from the master of the Awatea, Captain Davey, to-day. On almost every recent voyage between Australia and New Zealand the Awatea has carried at least one passenger who had omitted the customary preliminary of purchasing a steamer ticket. In most cases the stowaways simply mingled in the crowds until the ship was at sea, when they have disclosed their presence. It is considered, however, by many seafaring people that for every stowaway whose presence is discovered another succeeds in evading detection throughout the journey. “They are coming in shoals and droves,” said Captain Davey. “What else can you expect. They're encouraged to do it. Instead of being given six months, they are let off lightly and sometimes passengers pass the hat round to raise their fares. I can tell you I’m sick of them. I don't treat thorn very politely, but what can you do. They’ve all heard this is a land of milk and honey and they want to come across. Nobody works in this country. That’s why.” Four stowaways arrived to-day by the Awatea. Quite a posse of police met the liner on arrival to extend them a cold official welcome. It is understood some, who are Australians, will be sent back on the vessel’s return passage. Others may appear in the Magistrate's Court to-morxow.