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For some of the Sydney plebs we were of course a sight to behold. Although the quay near the steamship had been cordoned off by Australian soldiers so that none of us could escape, some distance away a huge crowd had gathered, all staring across at our ship with great curiosity.
But first, the Australian customs officials honoured us with their visit and ordered that all luggage be brought from the cabins and put ashore. Suitcases, laundry bags, artfully fastened crates etc, etc had to be opened, despite being searched before our departure from Singapore; partly to reassure themselves that we did not have any weapons, partly, I assume, to search for goods that should have been declared. Brandy, Whisky, Sherry and other alcoholic beverages that until now we had been allowed as assets of last resort were mercilessly confiscated because their import requires a special passport. There will be no reunion and the Messrs Customs Officials will feast [on the bottles] at our expense. There is,