LAUNCH'S STORMY TRIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22144, 25 June 1935, Page 10

LAUNCH'S STORMY TRIP

VOYAGE TO NORFOLK ISLAND PROCEDURE TO SAVE DUTIES After a 13 days' trip to Norfolk Island the seine fishing launch Melodeon returned to Auckland yesterday morning. The launch left Auckland on June 11 and sailed from Whangarei next day, fine weather being experienced until slio was. about 200 miles from Norfolk Island. Strong westerly weather and a very rough sea were then encountered and the conditions necessitated the launch being hove-to for 20 hours. After the weather moderated she continued the trip at reduced speed, owing to tho rough seas, and arrived at Norfolk Island on June IS. During the two days tho launch stayed at the island the weather continued to be boisterous, but better conditions prevailed during tho return passage, which occupied only three days. The trip to Norfolk Island was made to avoid tho cost of duty and other customs charges on tho launch's 110 horse-power Diesel engine. As the vessel has made a voyage to a foreign port the engine is now regarded as having been re-exported from New Zealand and a reduction of duties paid on it can be claimed. On the return of the launch tho engine is claimed to be part of the vessel and not subject to duty unless brought ashore. This procedure for avoiding customs duties on new engines has been carried out at Auckland on a number of occasions during the last few years. New vessels built at Auckland for the coastal trade have first made a trip to Norfolk Island or Australia after being commissioned, while vessels which have been converted from steam to motor have also made a trip away from Now Zealand for tlie same purpose.