N.Z.B.C. Inquiry Sought

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30715, 2 April 1965, Page 14

N.Z.B.C. Inquiry Sought

(N.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON, April 1. An application to the N.Z.B.C. to hold a public inquiry at Hamilton to consider a private commercial broadcasting station in the city will come before the corporation this month.

The corporation had advised that the application would come before it on April

13 or 14, said the solicitor acting for a syndicate of Hamilton businessmen, Mr M. J. Gavin, today.

Mr Gavin said he was instructed to invite the corporation to hold a public inquiry for warrants as provided by statute.

He said he urged the corporation that “the inquiry and examining of evidence,” provided for in the Broadcasting Act, could properly be at a public sitting of the corporation.

He assumed from the corporation’s letter that when it last considered the matter, it decided that no action be taken, without any of the inquiry and examination of evidence Section 32 of the act envisages.

Mr Gavin said he told the corporation: “Although my clients are not in law entitled to be informed of the reason for this decision, I draw to your attention the fact that the corporation is, under these sections, carrying out a public function. The principles of law relating to administration tribunals, if not compulsive under the act, should still properly be applied.”

He asked that if once again the corporation declined to do anything, its reasons for that decision be supplied. The corporation has also been asked to state if it considers the matter is beyond its statutory powers. If this is the case, Mr Gavin will immediately take the matter up with the Minister of Broadcasting with a view to having the act amended.