STOWING AWAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 14

STOWING AWAY

PENALTIES TOO LIGHT CAPTAIN OUTSPOKEN DOMINION'S ATTRACTIONS TJAND OF MILK AND HONEY [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday The increasing popularity of stowing away on Tasman liners was the subject of caustic comment from the master of the Awatea, Captain A. H. Davey, today. On almost every recent voyage between Australia and New Zealand the Awatea lias carried at least one passenger who had omitted the eustomaiy preliminary of purchasing a steamer ticket.

In most cases, the stowaways simply mingled with the crowd until the ship was at sea, when they disclosed their presence. It is considered, however, by many seafaring people that, for every stowaway whoso presenco is discovered, another succeeds in evading detection throughout the journey. Where Nobody Works

"They are coming in shoals and droves," said Captain Davey. What else can you expect? They are encouraged to do it. Instead of being given six months, they are let off lightly, and sometimes passengers pass the hat round and raise their fares. "I can tell you I am sick of them," he added. "I do not treat them very politely. But what can you do? They have all heard this is a land of milk and honey, and they want to come across. Nobody works in this blasted country, that is why."

Pour Stowaways Met Four stowaways arrived to-day bv the Awatea. Quito a posse of police met the liner on her arrival to extend them a cold official welcome. It is understood any who are Australians will be sent back on the vessel's return passage. The others may appear in the Magistrate's Court to-morrow.