AWATEA’S CAPTAIN INDIGNANT

Southland Times, Issue 23852, 24 June 1939, Page 8

AWATEA’S CAPTAIN INDIGNANT

INCREASING POPULARITY OF STOWING AWAY (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 23. The increasing popularity of stowing away on trans-Tasman liners was the subject of caustic comment from the master of the Awatea, Captain A. H. Davey, today. Almost every recent voyage Between Australia and New Zealand the Awatea had carried at least one passenger who had omitted the customary preliminary of purchasing a steamer ticket. In most cases the stowaways have simply mingled with the crowds until the ship was at sea when they have disclosed their presence. It is considered, however, by many seafaring people that for. every stowaway whose presence is discovered, another succeeds in evading detection throughout the journey. “They are coming in shoals and droves,” said Captain Davey. “What else can you expect? They’re encouraged to do it. Instead of being given six months, they are let off lightly and sometimes the passengers pass the hat round to raise their fares. “I can tell you I’m sick of them,” he added. “I don’t treat them very politely, but what can you do. They’ve all heard that this is a land of milk and honey and they want to come across. Nobody works, in this blasted country. That’s why four stowaways arrived today by the Awatea.” Quite a posse of police met the liner on its arrival to extend the stowaways a cold official welcome. It is understood that some, who are Australians, will be sent back on the vessel’s return passage. Others may appear in the Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.