Libel Actions.

Mr Ivess, a well-known journalist, having brought an action for libel against the South Canterbury Times, the jury found a three-fourths verdict for defendant. Mr Ivess has moved for a new trial.

At the Supreme Court sittings in Wellington on 13th April, Mrs Roeberry, proprietor of an oyster saloon, brought an action to recover £100 damages from the New Zealand Times, which had stated that a frightful stench arose from her premises. Judgment was given for defendant, with costs on the lowest scale.

The Evening Post, on the following day, was less fortunate. Messrs. Macmahon & Leitch, travelling players, claimed £1,000 damages for a statement published on 15th January to the effect that on their departure for Fiji there were a good many inquiries after them. The plaintiff Leitch, in cross-examination, said they had gone to Fiji for rest and quiet, thinking it a place where they would not be bothered with telegrams and letters. A copy of the Post was posted to them there. Mr Gillon, of the Post, gave evidence that after the appearance of the alleged libel he had received a cheque for £20 out of £25, to which he had reduced his claim, upon the representation of the plaintiffs that they had had a bad season, though he considered the services he had rendered really worth £50. The £5 balance he had sued for and recovered. Witness had had many inquiries as to what had become of the plaintiffs. A good deal of unimportant evidence was taken, and the jury after retiring for three-quarters of an hour returned with a verdict for the plaintiffs, damages £150. The Judge allowed costs on the lowest scale. If the published reports of the case are correct, the jury gave an extraordinary verdict.

Messrs Macmahon & Leitch are fortunate. After disposing of the Post, they « went for » the Press Association, which had telegraphed the paragraph as an item of news, They were again successful in gaining a verdict. Damages, £200!!!!!!!!!!!!