RIDICULOUS SURMISE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16806, 20 November 1928, Page 7

RIDICULOUS SURMISE

LOSS OF THE VESTRIS

UNJUST YELLOW PRESS

(Elec. Tel. Copyright— United Press Assu, (Australian and iN.Z. Press Association

NEW YORK, Nov. JJ)

The volume of matter carried in the New York papers criticising the captain and crew of the Vestris has been very heavy. Reuters, dealing with the situation, cabled to London: "Even in the spectacular history of New York so-called yellow journalism, no story ever evoked violent headlines, unjust condemnation, or ridiculous surmise, as has the tragic loss of the Vestris."

After quoting a number ot statements appearing in the papers on Saturday, it continues: "In no country in the world except, the United States,, where newspaper libel is prac tically non-existent, could such absurd, not to say malicious statements be published and read without comment, and presumably with a considerable degree of belief."

]\lr. Tuttlc has announced that British and American marine experts will participate in the Vestris investigation; as suggested by Sir Harry Armstrong. The experts will be empowered to question the witnesses, but will have no part in the determination of Commissioner O'Neill. The minutes of the proceedings will be forwarded to the British Government through the State Department, to be utilised by the-British Board of Trade. The British expert will be Captain Henry McConkey, marine superintendent of the Cunard Line in New York. Commissioner O'Neill will name the American expert to-day.