Sampan Seized

Poacher Fined £545 in Solomons

From a Special Correspondent

Tulagi, Aug. 26.

A JAPANESE sampan of about 20 tons has been prowling about the Solo mons and has been seen close to the land at various places near Ysabel.

During August, becoming more cheeky, it actually anchored at Kia and other vil lages, and the 17 Japanese went ashore and mixed with the natives. They allowed natives to go aboard their vessel.

On August 7 the sampan anchored off the Government station at Lenabuli for a day and night and fished the reefs. The District Officer, Mr. J. K. Brownlees, was unable to take proceedings as his vessel was in Tulagi under repair and he had no means of boarding the sampan.

The Japanese then moved on up the Ysabel coast on the S.W. side.

After five days Mr. Brownlees got back his vessel Wai-ai and chased them to Alla dyce Point where he blocked them on a narrow channel among the reefs. With an armed guard, he boarded the ship and made them understand by signs to “up anchor” and proceed to Tulagi.

The Wai-ai acted as escort, with four Japanese aboard, while Mr, Brownlees re mained on the sampan which steamed at about eight knots.

On arrival in Tulagi, after a most un comfortable night, Mr. Brownlees reported his capture and the Japanese were quar antined.

Court proceedings ensued and they were found guilty, on several different charges, and fined £545 in all. The shell and beche de mer were confiscated and the sampan seized.

The sampan is about 60 feet long and roughly built, and is in a filthy condition.

The shell is thrown into the hold with the fish in it and allowed to rot there.

There is a definite feeling of satisfaction that steps were taken with regard to this ship and all credit is due to Mr. Brownlees for his prompt action.