WILES OF SMUGGLERS

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3480, 16 June 1934, Page 6

WILES OF SMUGGLERS

AMATEUR’S SIMPLE IDEAS A passenger On the steamer Strathaird who was intercepted at Melbourne recently, says the “Argus/” with dutiable goods in the sleeves and pockets of his overcoat was obviously a amateur at smuggling. The professional smuggler is in a very different class from the amateur, who often smuggles a pair of stockings or a box of cigars just for fun. His methods, too, are elementary. Shoes with hollow heels and overcoat pockets are the devices of the amateur. Even the trunk with a false bottom or sliding sides has become obsolete. For small contraband goods the professional smuggler sometimes makes use of hollow walking-sticks or umbreila-handles. Precious stones are sometimes hidden in that way. Harmless looking bulbs have been the hiding-places of diamonds. Sometimes shipments of cheap calico have been found to contain silks or laces in the middle of the rolls.

In England not long ago the importation of wooden broomsticks increased. No suspicion was aroused until one day two Customs officers began to play single-sticks with two of the sticks. When they broke fine cigars poured out of the hollow insides of the sticks. Even coffins have carried contraband.

It is not so easy to smuggle large goods, and it would appear impossible; to~ smuggle elephants when elephants are contraband. But the sacred white elephants of Siam, whose exportation is forbidden, were once the envy of neighbouring potentates who were willing to pay high prices f for them. Frequently white elephants, painted to resemble ordinary elephants, were smuggled out of Siam under the noses of the Royal Guards.

Smuggling- is an ancient occupation or,. calling, but the professional smuggler is not a likeable fellow. His only desire is to make money, and he lacks the colour of the buccaneer. But his ingenuity is inexhaustible, and,his devices for evading the Customs officiers are endless. Only the least - successful smugglers are known for those who are revealed are the ones who fail. For the amateur and the traveller out for ftin it is "a "risky pastime. The Customs officer is a shrewd fellow He has to be.