THE RIVAL FERRY STEAMERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 279, 26 November 1887, Page 2

THE RIVAL FERRY STEAMERS.

HARBOUR BOARD INQUIRY,

! The Works and Tariff Committee of the Harbour Board, at ita meeting , yesterday afternoon, opened an inquiry into the ; circumstances under which the ferry steamers Eagle and Victoria so nearly came into collision in the mid-chatinol on the 9th November last. There were present: Messrs W. R, Waddol (in the chair), M. Niccpl, A. H. Nathan, T. ttendorson and F. Phillipps. There were also a number of witnesses in attendance-, in the main building, waiting there to be called upon. Tho witnesses included Captain Crawford, who was .in charge of the Eagle, and Captain Landers, who was in charge of the Victoria ; Captain Burgess, Chief Harbourmaster, Captain Fisher, Deputy Harbourmaster, Messrs W. Webster,* E. W. Alison, Granb, P. Austin, J. Thompson and others. It was arranged that the inquiry should be held in the committee room, and all the members were in their places at 2.30 p.m. The press representatives having made application for admission, some discussion ensued as to whether or not the inquiry should be regarded as private, to the exclusion of. the press, and the Chairman took the voice of the Committee on the question. In the course of the discussion it was remarked that the inquiry was not likely to be finished on.that day, and if the statements of witnesses (which were not to be made on oath) were published, witnesses who had not been called might be inclined to "trim their sails " accordingly, and the object of the inquiry would be defeated. It was, therefore, decided that representatives of the press should not be permitted to attend. One reporter, however, expressed his determination to test the legality of the decision arrived at, and declined to leave unless expelled by force. The police were thereupon communicated with, and Sergeant Clarke and Constable Mackie shortly put in an appearance. The reporter having repeated his determination' not to leave; unless forced to do so, Sergeant Clarke placed one hand on his shoulder and escorted him to the door.

Discussion was then resumed on the question of publicity being given to the proceedings, and eventually it was resolved, " That the Committee adjourn until after the meeting of the Board on Tuesday next, and. that tho Board shall be asked for directions as to whether the inquiry shall be held publicly or privately."