GIRLS’ EXPLOIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19787, 10 March 1927, Page 8

GIRLS’ EXPLOIT

ON GERMAN BARQUE OFFICIAL SECRECY SYDNEY, March 5. The Chief Secretary (Mr. Lazzarini) to-day laid upon the table of the House the police report concerning the charges made against four girls w’ho appeared at the Central Police Court on charges of vagrancy after being found on board a German barque Lisbeth at Goat Island and at Walsh Bay. The police report stated that there was no suggestion that the girls were to be taken away on the vessel, which is still in port, but due to sail shortly. Inspector Fewster added that none of the police actively concerned in the case were immediately available. Ho understood that about 9.45 p.m. on February J 7 two girls, aged 20 and 21 years, respectively, were found by Constable Bowers and Benson masquerading in sailors’ uniform at Fort Macquarie. Incidents At Goat Island. Complaints had previously been received that disorderly women had been frequenting the German barque Lisbeth, lying at Goat Island. When questioned, th e girls admitted, that they had been staying on board the vessel, and had changed their clothes whilst on board. They also admitted that they had been away from their homes for some time. They were charged the next morning and remanded till February 23. About 10.45 p.m. on February 22 two other girls, said to be companions of those already mentioned, aged 18 and 19 years, respectively, were found in the vicinity of the vessel, which had in the meantime removed to Pyrmont. They were charged with vagrancy. All four girls appeared at the Central Court on February 23, and were discharged. “1 understand,” said Inspector Fewster, “that the relatives of the girls gave them good characters, and stated that their escapade was only a girlish prank.” The report was tabled for the use of members of Parliament only, and Mr Lazzarini released it to the press on the understanding that th e girls’ names were not disclosed.