PARTED WITH HIS PIGTAIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2146, 23 March 1908, Page 3

PARTED WITH HIS PIGTAIL.

■When the steamer Charon anrved at Fremantle from Singapore, ie cently, the presence of Chines© mas suspected, but rigorous search failed to reveal their presence. Subsequently when the vessel returned to Geraldton, a Chinese was arrested, and as he could not pass tho education test, he was sentenced to three months ’imprisonment, and ordered to he deported. In prosecuting inquiries tho Customs oilicer made some very interesting discoveries. An investigation was first made as to where he came from. It was discovered that he boarded the Charon at Singapore, and with four other Chinese who desired to land in Australia was concealed during tho whole voyage in the bilges under the engine room, in extremely cramped positions. It was also learned that Ah Wan had paid 100 dollars to tho Chinese fireman to take him on board, and find him a hiding-place, hut what the other three paid has not been made known. On tho voyage down tho firemen induced All Wan to cut off his pigtail, so that ho would have no difficulty in landing at Fremantle. The startling discovery was then made flint All Wan’s three companions who were concealed with him had successfully evaded a Customs officer and water police, and effected a landing at Fremantle. All Wun was not able to get on shore with them, but it was arranged that he was to make a final effort to land during the last night of the vessel s stay in that port, when there would be a number of Chinese hanging ■aboift to see their friends on board. Ah Wan, however, was too ill to make tlie attempt, and bad to start on the return journey with the result stated.