WHY CRASH INQUIRY IS IN CAMERA

Northern Advocate, 25 June 1937, Page 9

WHY CRASH INQUIRY IS IN CAMERA

Minister Wants Full Facts To Come Out

(Per Press Associanun . Covyvlaht.l WELLINGTON, This Day.

The reasons for the inquiry into the avaiation , accident at Big Bay on December 31 being held in private were explained by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in a statement last night. He said that the question had been carefully considered, and it was felt that the full facts concerning an accident could beSt be ascertained by taking the proceedings in private. His only concern was to see that, in the public interests, the full facts were ascertained and that, in doing so, no one was placed in an unfavourable position because he was required to give evidence. His Reasons.

“As the application by counsel and the subsequent discussions have been fully reported,” said the Minister, “I think it fair to add that my only reasons for requesting a private inquiry

were: , (1) To enable all possible evidence as to the cause of the accident to be produced,, so that action can be taken to see that similar accidents may be avoided In future. (2) That no party to the inquiry such as the pilot of the machine, . should possibly have his standing as a pilot impaired because of the fact that he is required to give evidence at the inquiry. Full Statement Will be Issued. “I feel that a board of inquiry such as this,” continued the Minister, “which is to investigate and report on the accident and to include in its report observations and recommendations with a view to the preservation of life and the avoidance of similar accidents in future, should be afforded an opportunity of obtaining possession of all the relevant facts from witnesses. • “As soon as the reports of the board have been received and considered, a full statement will be issued to the public.”