"COALS TO NEWCASTLE"

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15315, 16 August 1923, Page 9

"COALS TO NEWCASTLE"

“SPOTS” TO ’FRISCO. PROHIBITION THAT DOES NOT PROHIBIT. SCOTCH—WITH LABELS INTACT. “it seemed tike taking coals to Newcastle,” remarked a passenger, when interviewed regarding the new regulation which recently* came into force in respect of the carriage of liquor on vessels trading to San Francisco.

The R.M.S. Tahiti, which arrived from San Francisco, was one of the first vessels to return after the introduction of the dry ship regulations. Although carrying but a limited amount of spirits, the vessel was compelled, under the American laws, to land her "spirit cargo" at Papeete, and from that port proceeded to San Francisco minus her "bar" contents. This did not necessarily prevent the passengers from indulging in their nocturnal "night cap"; for although the law did not permit the vessel to carry any intoxicating liquor, passengers" were permitted to carry and consume what liquor they desired, until they arrived within the precincts of where the new regulations come into operation. "Yes it seems like taking coals to Newcastle," one of the passengers said, "for although we were literally dry,' the passengers who boarded the vessel at San Francisco, brought any amount of liquor aboard." "But is not prohibition in force in San Francisco?" the interviewer asked. , . "Seemingly so—well, they say it is. But I tell you that the passengers who boarded the R.M.S. Tahiti at San Francisco brought liquor on board, in case they had to face a 6000-mile voyage with nothing to ward oil the 'flu.' And it was not home brow, but honest to goodness Scotch, with the labels int'act, and just as it saw the light in its home town." When the Tahiti arrived at Papeete on her last voyage from Wellington, she had on board approximately ton cases of spirits, which had to be placed in bond at the French port. Upon her return, ths amount was retaken on board, and the vessel resumed her voyage to Wellington. Passengers who desire, may obtain what liquor they wish prior to arriving at Papeete, but when within range, of Sin Francisco what remains must either be consumed or jettisoned.

'tflow much was thrown, overboard?" the passenger was asked. "Now don't be silly. Do you think we would throw it all away? No, we had a good parly, and we polished off the remainder of the 'spots' before we arrived at San Francisco, but I ! must confess I was somewhat astonished when I ascertained that American passengers were bringing on liquor ,at what was supposed to be a 'dry ■port.'' '