SOCIETY SMUGGLERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143586, 26 August 1911, Page 5

SOCIETY SMUGGLERS.

! NEW YORK, June 27. Developments in the gigantic society smuggling case now point to at least a dozen wealthy individuals who are as well known iii London as in New York being involved in the affair. It is stated that the banker who was declared yesterday to have smuggled £400,0110 worth ,of goods is really the head of an informal organisation of rich society people which has been constantly smuggling Paris gowns, laces, and jewels for personal use. The regular feq paid to Customs inspectors to nasa each trunk without examination was £2O. It is also asserted that the stewards of the trans-Atlantic liners were bribed to assist in the smuggling of goods, T.hc smugglers have apparently been relying on their social prominence and political influence to prevent disclosures. Secretary Loeb declares that he intends to push the matter “to a finish” and to endeavour to send the culprits to prison. ... One unexpected aspect- of tins mtncate case is the possibility that tho woman who, through a desire for revenge, gave the Government the first information about the conspiracy, may be compelled herself to stand trial for smuggling jewels given to her by admirers. ■