OMISSION OF A FORMALITY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5374, 6 September 1904, Page 5

OMISSION OF A FORMALITY.

LANDING CREWS FROAI FOREIGN WARSHIPS. PERAIISSION AIUST BE OBTAINED. ritESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, September 3. On tho arrival of tho French warship Probet, from Hobart, Commander Aigard was informed by the harbourmaster that it was necessary to make a formal application to the authorities at Wellington for permission for the officers and crew to land. The Commander stated that no such extraordinary law existed at any other port in tho world, and he would not make an application! As soon as the vessel coaled ho would leave Auckland. No French warship would visit New Zealand while such a law- was enforced. The French Consul visited the vessel and conveyed from the Premier a cordial welcome to the Protet and Commander, but the Commander stood on his dignity, and adhered to his previous resolution. Subsequently, however, after an interview with the chairman and secretary bf tho Harbour Board, the Commander said that either the New Zealand or French Government was at fault in not making the foreign warships aware that such a regulation existed. Ho was satisfied with the explanation made, and expressed no annoyance. The Commander of the Protet maintains that the matter is ono for tho Imperial Government, and lie intends to represent to Paris that tho regulation is objectionable. i It appears that the Japanese expressed surprise at the existence of the law, and on tho occasion of their recent visit they made representations on the subject to the authorities at Wellington. The stay of tho Protet has been extended to Alonday. The rule in question has been in force for some years past, .but foreign warships have always had extreme courtesy shown to them in the matter of permitting the crews to land. This is the first occasion on which objections have been raised. The Defence Act, clause 26, provides that soldiers or sailors from a foreigan warship shall not land at any .port in New Zealand without the permission of the Governor is obtained through the Consular Gffico. It is provided, however, that this shall not apply to officers or men who wish to land while the Governor's permission is being obtained. Hitherto the French Consul has obtained the necessary permit beforehand, but the new Consul had not taken this precaution.