SCHOONER ISABEL

Southland Times, Issue 22214, 5 January 1934, Page 5

SCHOONER ISABEL

VOYAGE OCCUPIES 1G MONTHS.

CUSTOMS OFFICERS INTERESTED.

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.)

Sydney, January 4.

The schooner Isabel, concerning whose whereabouts anxiety was recently expressed, took sixteen months to voyage from England. Thirty-eight days out from Tahiti she struck some rough weather. The Isabel is flying the Irish Free State flag. Her owner, Captain Weeks, and six hands comprised the crew of the 156-ton schooner.

When Customs officers boarded the vessel Captain Weeks stated that as far as he knew there was nothing on board which warranted the attention paid to him. After spending some hours on the schooner the Customs officials and detectives held a quantity of perfumes, soaps and chemicals for further investigation. Mrs Weeks and her two children, who have been in Sydney for some time, had not expected the Isabel’s arrival “for a long time yet.” The family were reunited on board the ship.

CAPTAIN’S EXPLANATION

GOODS PROPERTY OF WIFE.

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 10.10 p.m.) Sydney, January 4. Captain Weeks, interviewed, stated that the allegedly dutiable goods im-s pounded by the Customs were largely the property of his wife for her personal use. He unfortunately omitted to include her name in the crew when interrogated by the Customs officers. The goods seized were the residue of a store he owned and which was closed at Norwich.

A message from Sydney on November 11 read: News has been received in Sydney that the schooner Isabel, which left Panama on July 15, arrived at the island of Uapoa, in the Marquesas group, on November 2. A cable stated that the owner, Captain Weeks, called at the island for provisions and fresh water, and left later for Papeete. The Department of Navigation had previously despatched cables to Fiji, Tahiti, and Panama, seeking information and asking shipping to keep a look-out.