POACHER SHOWS FIGHT.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16174, 27 December 1924, Page 2

POACHER SHOWS FIGHT.

BAILIFF STRIKES A SNAG.

"STOUSH" ON A FISHING BOAT

United Press Association. - HOBART, Dec. 24

Sometime ago while endeavouring to effect the. seizure of the listiing ketch, Dauntless, which was alleged to be trapping crayfish oil' St. Helen's, a water bailiff named Challenger, accompanied by Trooper Blair, boarded the Vessel during the nigh I and roused the skipper, who admitted the offence, but said he was not going to be taken alive. He called on the crew qf three to aid him.

Challenger produced his authority, warned the men of the seriousness of their action, and told them the boat was now in his charge. Nevertheless the crew rushed forward and started to raise the anchor. Blair and Challenger endeavoured to stop them, and.a fierce struggle for possession of the ketch, lasting half an houi', ensued. The sails being set th,e police gave way in face of the larger opposition. Challenger informed the skipper and crew that they were under arrest, but the vessel stood out to sea. Blair and Challenger decided that if they could get the captain off the boat they might be able to manage the men, so the captain was asked to take Blair ashore in a motor boat, which he eventually agreed to do. Challenger immediately headed the ketch for Hobart, but the wind dropped and she became becalmed. The captain later returned, and after being made aware of Challenger's intentions rushed him. In the ensuing struggle both fell over the side, but fortunately landed in the motor dinghy alongside. Challenger, having no means of defence, was forced to submit and was conveyed ashore. Warrants had been issued for the arrest of the master, William McKay, and the crew of the Dauntless, and late on Monday night the Daunttess crept into the Tamar River, and under shelter of the darkness the crew boarded a train for Hobart, for the purpose of giving themselves up to the police. The vessel was known to be in the vicinity and the men were arrested aboard the train shortly before it reached Hobart.