Douglas v. Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority

This petition for a writ of mandamus brings to us the question whether, under the statute creating the respondent Authority, it is required to advertise for competitive bids in purchasing an existing vessel. St. 1960, c. 701, § 15, as amended by St. 1964, c. 278.1 We hold that such a “vessel” is not “equipment” subject to the competitive bidding requirement. We do not pass on the propriety in other respects of the remedy sought.

The petition alleges the following facts. The petitioners are residents and citizens of Dukes County. The Authority is a public instrumentality and body corporate…