MANY STOWAWAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23382, 26 June 1939, Page 12

MANY STOWAWAYS

free tasman voyages 40 CASES THIS YEAR ACTION BY SHIPMASTERS An indication of a determined campaign on the part of shipmasters, particularly those in the Tasman service, to keep their vessels clear of stowaways was given at Wellington on Friday by Captain A. 11. Davey, master of the Awatca, who declared that ho was sick of them and admitted that lie did not treat them very politely. Those sentiments are tlioso of most captains trading to and from New Zealand. Some aro even more vehement in their dislike of those who seek free transport at the cost of the shipping services. One well-known master of a liner has mado the position clear by indicating that a rude reception awaits any unauthorised passenger in his ship. At least 'lO men liavo boon charged in New Zealand Courts this year with stowing away, according to records in the HkraljD. In the majority of cases comparatively lenient treatment has been accorded them, many of the accused being convicted and ordered to como up for sentence if called upon for periods varying from tbrco months to a year. Passage fares also had to bo paid. Evidence is shown, however, of moro sovero penalties at Wellington, where several men have recently been given terms of imprisonment, in some cases a fortnight with hard labour. Many stowaways take a chance of making tlio short Tasman crossing undiscovered. On the one hand the fact that only two and a-half days aro taken by throe liners on the voyage would hold some hope for the wouklbo stowaway. On tlio other hand, however, aro the very thorough examinations of vessels now being conducted by ships' officers. A severe lesson was given all unauthorised voyagers some months ago. Two men who stowed away in the Monterey at Auckland spent tlio vovago to Sydney and Melbourne and back to Auckland in the brig. They wero fed on broad and water and ono man, speaking in Court, said that ho had lost a stone in weight. "I would never stow away again if I was paid to do it," was his comment.