In all proceedings had before any official, tribunal, board or governing body of this state, where not otherwise provided for by law, the official, tribunal, board or governing body shall, upon request of either party to the proceeding and at the expense of the requesting party, designate a competent stenographic reporter, who shall be duly sworn, to report verbatim the proceeding, excepting the arguments of counsel.
N.J.S. § 2A:84-1