CROSS-STRAIT FERRY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 271, 10 August 1920, Page 6

CROSS-STRAIT FERRY SERVICE

STIGMATISED AS DISGRACE

PROGRESS LEAGUE ADVOCATES IMPROVEMENT

The need for an improvement in the shipping service between Wellington and the provinces of Marlborough and Nelson was emphasised at last night's meeting of the Central Progress League, when the executive presented a report on the subject. This mentioned that some alteration was promised in the WellingtonPicton service, but so far no change was proposed in the service between Wellington and Nelson. The proposal to put on tlte Arahura between Wellington and Picton would not bo satisfactory to the people concerned, as the vessel was considered a doubtful improvement on the present boat. n "The present service, continued the report, "is a disgrace to any civilised community. The boats are old, out oi date, and slow, and the time has arrived to speak plainly, and ask how much longer we are prepared to put up with tbie service. This is a function of the Government, but there is little hope of the present Government acting in the matter and as the company, is prepared to run tho present service just as long as tho people are prepared to tolerate it, some other method of solving the problem will have to be found. Ihe people concerned desire an up-to-date boat, with a normal speed of 18 to 20 knots, and a daily service to Picton, and an improvement in the Nelson service. We believe that such a service would more than create the trado to justify It. "The question therefore resolves itsell into-(l) Are we to wait until the shipping company chooses to put on a service such as is desired? (2) The people concerned on both 6ides of tho Straits to undertake the finance, and inaugurate a service themselves. (3) What other method can be adopted to nil th* requirements? . ".The second course is now being seriously discussed. We believe the finance will not be a great difficulty. It is also believed that a suitable boat could be obtained in England for this service at the present time." The reDort also stated that the matter of providing sufficient and up-to-dato accommodation was naturally linked up with the question of a better shipping service, and this matter was receiving careful attention by tho Marlborough Progress League. Plans for a large and up-to-date hotel were already prepared in Blenheim, and a company was being formed to carry this work out. lhe accommodation at Picton was also being extended and improved. _ Mr Will. Lawson, organiser of the Marlborough Progress Committee, said that tho Marlborough people were looking for a substantial improvement in the service. Without interfering with' the Nelson service, they believed thatthe three- ports-Wellington, Nelson, anOT.c-ton-could easily be brought within close touch of each other by frequent and punctual services, The present service was generally condemned, and a deputation was appointed to interview the local manager r o£ the Union Steam Ship Company this morning, with the object of ascertaining what steps the company proposes taking to improve matters.

Can't you remember anything?—"No, I can't." Mr. Macassey: I submit, Your Honour, that the witness is hostile. His Honour: You can well assume that. Mr. Mncnssey: I ask leavo to treat hiin as a hostile witness. His Honour: Of course you may. Mr, Macassey resumed his examination of the witnesß. Were you keeping company with Miss Batclielor in and before September, 1919? -"Yes." Witness Denies Complicity. Further questioned, witness denied having had improper relations with Mies Bntohelor. His Honour interjected that witness had altered his mind, as earlier in tho day he had admitted, according to the Court shorthand reporter's note, thatas a result of his keeping company with the girl sne became pregnant. Witness denied having made this admission, and added: "I meant to say that I heard about her being pregnant. His Honour: Then she did not tell you about it?—" No." If Miss Batclielor says thai she told you about it, would you say she is lyinj?—"Yes." . i

His Honour: Are you telling the truth? —"Yes."

Further statements made by Miss Batclielor in the Lower Court relative to her relations with witness wero also denied liy the latter. You characterise the whole of Miss Batchelor's statement in question as absolutely false?—" Yes," You know that the Crown has offered no evidence against you, so as to let you off in order to come into the wit-ness-box and tell the • truth ?— "Yes."

And you have told the truth ?—"Yes, I have."

His Honour: If you are entirely innocrnf, and know nothing about the matter, why did you refuse to give evidence this morning?—"l was not sure of my position." His Honour: But if you were such an innocent young, man, what had you to hide?—No answer.

His Honour: You can't answer tho question. Of course, you can't. I never expected you to. Mr. Wilford: No questions. As witness left the box His Honour directed him not to leave the court. Gladys Batchelor Called. Gladys Batchelor was then called upon to give evidence. Mr. Wilford asked that the court be cleared. His Honour declined to grant the request. Tho witness Batchelor then went into the box. and after taking the oath said thai her age was 21 years. Mr. Macassey: Do you know a man called Neylon. Miss Batchelor?—No answer. Do vou know a man called Havne?— No answer. Counsel repeated his questions, but again there was no response. Do' vou decline to answer the question ?—Witness remained mute. Why don't you answer the auestion?— No reply; You can't incriminate yourself by answering.—No answer. Have you determined that_ yon will not answer any question?—No answer. Miss Batchelor, do you decline to an« swei' any questions?—No answer. _ His Honour commented that it was vcrv evident that tho witness intended to pursue her policy of silence. He would therefore adjourn the Court till this morning, so that he might consult with his fellow-Judges on the question whether the witness Batchelor should not suffer further punisliment, Mr. Macassey (to witness): I want you to understand that Neylon has been acquitted. Witness: I am quite aware of that Case Further Adjourned. Mr. Wilford applied for a renewal of tho accused's bail. .His Honour, in granting tho application, remarked: I don't suppose he will run away, I don't see how he could. Perhaps if he did it might save us a lot of trouble. Addressing the jury, His Honour said ho was quite sure they fully understood that thev were expressly forbidden to hold communication with any party relativo to the trial. Further hearing of tho case was then adjourned till 11 o'clock this morning.