THE SCHOONER MANuA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18471, 7 August 1923, Page 4

THE SCHOONER MANuA.

FALSE DECLARATION MADE.

CAPTAIN'S PUNISHMENT.

[PROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] SUVA. July 23. The interest in the now somewhat famous Manua case was continued when Captain Alfred Johnson was before the Police Court charged under two counts that he had made a false declaration (1) in saying that he was clearing without any passengers, and (2) that he had" no cargo. He was found guilty on both counts and fined £150 on each chaarge or fivo months in each case. . The prosecution affirmed that there was a wicked conspiracy to cheat, and others besides the captain were implicated. It was clear that the customs were being pur. posely kept in the dark as to the arranged departure of the 46 Punjabis because all the stores which were to be used by the Indians such as rice, ghee, sharps, and garlic were omitted from the list of stores. Then an application to the chief magistrate resulted in the vessel being declared forfeited to the Crown. The Punjabis however are ; asking the Governor to intervene and restore the ship to them as they were not in ■,;, the conspiracy and had paid for the ship. ' \ '" It is possible that this may be done. Meantime Captain Johnson has gone to gaol, and the customs: hold the schooner. <