Japanese Shell Poacher

Captured in New Guinea After a Long Chase

AN alleged Japanese shell poacher was captured near Aitape, in New Guinea, last month, and was later handed over to the District Offi cer there.

The capture was effected by Capt.

Irvine, of Messrs. W. R. Carpenter’s steamer, Durour, after a long chase.

The overseer of Carpenter’s Maty Plantation had told the captain that a vessel, probably identical with one that had been working around Awinn and Allison, some six months ago, had been shell-fishing in the vicinity of the plantation.

Captain Irvine, therefore, kept a sharp look-out, and he found four ship’s boats operating on the reef off the plantation. He picked them up and made the crews prisoners, A short time later, he sighted a ves sel named the Turihimia Maru, and he set out to capture the ship. The Jap anese vessel managed to keep ahead of her pursuer until engine trouble developed and she was overhauled. The captain surrendered without resistance and, it is said, he then offered Captain Irvine a large bribe to allow him to depart. This Captain Irvine refused and he towed the vessel in to Aitape.

Shell In Hatches

The Turihimia Maru is of sampan design and of about 100 tons burden.

It was found she was fitted with a 150 h.p. semi-Diesel engine. Also, she had collapsible masts and seven boats. Of her four hatches, one was found to contain a quantity of shell and another was stocked with fuel. Her crew com prised 29 Japanese.

The opinion has been expressed around Aitape that this vessel was operating from a secret base.