A FIGHT AT SEA

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12021, 26 December 1924, Page 7

A FIGHT AT SEA

POACHER RESISTS ARREST BAILIFF HIMSELF “ARRESTED” AND TAKEN ASHORE. SEAMEN SURRENDER. By Telegraph.Assn.—-Copyright HOBART, December 24. Some time ago, while endeavouring to effect the seizure of the fishing -ketch Dauntless, which was alleged to be trapping crayfish off St. Helen’s water, Water Bailiff Challenger, accompanied by Trooper Blair, boarded tbe vessel during the night and roused the skipper, who admitted the offence, but said that he was not going to be taken alive, and called on his crew of three to aid him. Challenger produced his authority, and warned the men of the seriousness of their -action, and told them that the boat was now in his charge. Nevertheless the crew rushed forward and started to raise the anchor. Trooper Blair nnd Mr. Challenger endeavoured to stop them, and a fierce struggle for the possession of the ketch, lasting fay* half-an-hour, ensued. Tne sails were set, and the police had to give way in the face of larger opposition. DESPERATE STRUGGLE. Challenger informed the skipper and his crew that they were under arrest, but the vessel stood out to sea. Blair and Challenger decided that if they could get the captain off the boat they might be able to manage the men. The captain was thereupon asked to take Blair ashore in the motor-boat, which he eventually agreed to do. Challenger immediately headed the ketch for Hobart, but the wind dropped and she was becalmed. The captain later returned, and after he hid been made aware of Challenger’s intentions, rushed at him, and m the ensuing struggle both fell over the side of the ketch, hut fortunately landed in the motor dinghy alongside. Challenger, having no means of defence, was forced to submit, and was conveyed ashore. UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS. Warrants we>re issued for the arrest of the master, William M‘Kay, and the crew of the Dauntless.

Late on Monday night the Dauntless crept into the • Tamar River under shelter of darkness, and the crew boarded' the train for Hobart for the purpose of giving themselves up to the police. The vessel was known to he m the vicinity, and the men were arrested aboard the train shortly before it reached Hobart.