OFFICIALS DEFIED

Southland Times, Issue 19435, 26 December 1924, Page 5

OFFICIALS DEFIED

STRUGGLE ON A KETCH. A DRAMATIC INCIDENT. 'By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) 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. Helens, a water bailiff named Challenger, accompanied by Trooper Blair, boarded the vessel during the night. They roused the skipper, who admitted the offence, but said he was not going to be taken alive. He called on the crew of three to aid him. Challenger produced his authority and warned the men of the seriousness of their action. He told them that the boat was now in his charge. Nevertheless the crew rushed forward and started to raise the anchor. Blair and Challenger endeavoured to stop them, and a fierce struggle for the possession of the ketch, lasting for half an hour, ensued. The sails had been set, and the officials gave way in the face of the larger opposition. Challenger informed the skipper and the 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 asked to take Blair ashore in a motor boat, which he eventually agreed to do. Challenger immediately headed the ketch for Hobart, but the wind dropped and she became becalmed. The captain later returned, and after being made aware of Challenger’s intentions rushed him. In the ensuing struggle both mqi fell over the side, but they fortunately landed in the motor dinghy alongside. Challenger, having no means of defence, was forced to submit, and was conveyed ashore. Warrants were issued for the arrest of the master (William McKay) and the crew of the Dauntless. Late on Monday night the Dauntless crept into the Tamar River, and under shelter of darkness the crew boarded a train for Hobart for the purpose of giving themselves up to the police. The vessel was known to be in the vicinity. The men were arrested aboard the train shortly before reaching Hobart.