TRICKS THAT ARE VAIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2370, 10 December 1908, Page 5

TRICKS THAT ARE VAIN.

NEW METHOD OF SMUGGLING OPIUM.

A Chinese member of the crew of the E. and A. S.S. Company’s steamer Empire was leisurely strolling along the wharf at the Circular Quay, Sydney, last week, as though nothing in the wide world interested him. His demeanour was certainly not that of •a- smuggler; he had no parcels in his hands, and apparently had no other object in strolling about- but to pass away the time.. Custom s-Oliicer Anderson, who. like all his colleagues, is forever on the look-out for opium, chanced to speak to him, but the stroller showed no concern. The officer decided to search him, but still the Chinaman displayed no fear. It was not until Dir. Anderson discovered that he was wearing a specially constructed bolt of a remarkaide design that the Chinaman began to be alarmed. "Whaffor?” he cried, but the officer’s suspicions having been aroused he resolved to complete the search. The belt, which was about 3in wide and 20in in length, was found to be completely filled with opium, which passed through a special process in order that it might be brought ashore unnoticed. The opium appeared to have been dried, and cut into flakes somewhat larger than those of tobacco. The belt was filled with layers upon layers of these flakes of opium, but all that the Chinese could say in explanation was *‘Wlialfor ?” and "No savee.” Needless to record, the contraband goods were seized, and the Chinese placed under arrest. Profiting by this unique experience Customs-Officer Anderson became suspicious of all descriptions of Chinese, and while in this frame of mind lie espied a Chinese fireman coming ashore from the Empire shortly before 7 o’clock last evening. Like his countryman on the previous night, there was absolutely nothing suspicious about his movements. Still tho Customs officer decided to step him, and play the Oriental game of bluff. “You are the very man I want,” ho said. “Step this way, please.” The Chinaman was nonplussed, but it- was not part of Liis game to display fear. He was conducted to the office of the E. and A. Company’s superintendent on tho wharf, and peacefully submitted to a thorough search of bis pockets. ■ “Now undress right here,” tho ollicor exclaimed in the tone of one possessing great authority. The fireman hesitated at first', but. mentally calculating the odds against him, obeyed.

Coming down the gangway of-tho Empire the Chinaman had presented the appearance of a man of considerable bulk, but stripped of his clothing ho was a being of an altogether different build. The transformation the officer discovered had been effected by means of a peculiarly made bladder. which on investigation was found to contain a large quantity of opium in a liquid state. The bladder, which was worn in front, was fastened round! the waist by means of strings and tied l at the back. The prize was carefully stored in the King’s warehouse.