“SICK OF THEM”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21380, 24 June 1939, Page 8

“SICK OF THEM”

MASTER OF AWATEA ON STOWAWAYS By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 23. The increasing popularity of stowing away in trans-Tasman liners was the subject of caustic comment from the master of the Awatea, Captain Davey, to-day. Almost every recent voyage between Australia and New Zealand the Aw'atea has carried at least one passenger who had omitted the customary preliminary of purchasing a steamer ticket. In most cases the stowaways simply mingled with the crowds until the ship was at sea when they have disclosed their presence. It is considered 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 are encouraged to do it. Instead of being given 'six months they are let off lightly, and sometimes the passengers pass the hat round and raise their fares. I can tell you that lam sick of them. I do not treat them very politely, but what can you do? They have all heard that this is a land of milk and honey and they want to come across. Nobody works in this blasted country.” That is why four stowaways arrived to-day by the Awatea. A posse of police met the liner on arrival to extend them a cold official welcome. It is understood that some, who are Australians, will be sent back in the vessel. The other may appear in the Magistrate’s Court to-morrow.