For some time past the Customs authorities have had suspicions that trading has been carried on contrary to the regulations governing the sale of opium. Following instructions from the Secretary of Customs at Wellington, a systematic enquiry has been made in all the Taranaki-towns. The Customs officer from New Plymouth, with the Hawera police, conducted a raid on the Chinese shops and laundries in Hawera on Thursday night in search for opium. It is understood that only in one case were some pipes and a little opium found. On Wednesday evening a Customs officer, accompanied by Sergeant McNeely, made a search of the Chinese premises in Stratford. In one place a huge quantity of opium was seized, also two pipes, a lamp, and all the appliances for opium smoking. Prosecutions will follow in each case. Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, 14 November 1913, Page 4
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