LIBEL ACTION.
VERDICT FOB £2OO DAMAGES.
(PJHESS ASSOCIATION IEUOIiH.)
WTLIINGTON, November 14,
The action for alleged libel brought by. James S. Montecino against "New Zealand Truth" was continued to-day. His Honour allowed rebutting evidence on behalf of the plaintiff.
A witness named Wallis said he was in the shop where the test was conducted from late Wednesday evening until 2.30 next morning. Ho disagreed with anyone who stated that Montecino was asleep for a couple of hours. Montecino rested on his elbow on the piano occasionally, but he ivas always playing wim one hand. Witness went again to the shop on the Thursday at u.30 p.m., remaining for three hours and Behalf. Montecino never slept during that time. The police frequently /visited the shop. : He knew Montecino and went to keep him company. Thomas Morris said he and another man, who could not get accommodation owing to the hotels being filled, spent Wednesday night at Montecino's shop. They did not sleep all night, nor did Montecino, who played continuously. , fSmilar evidence was given by Henry Money. Several witnesses gave evidence as to calls at Montecino's shop on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Montecino was playing all the time they were there. Montecino's "father said he was there on Saturday morning between 4.30 and 6.30. There was no suggestion of sleeping, but Montecino was semi-conscious, though he continued playing. Plaintiff's wife said that" she would have taken him home had lie slept. That would have finished the test. Sh« believed in everything being above board. At times Montecino's mind did not seem to b» with him, but for the greater part of the two hours she was there he was not seini-conscious. The jury found, in favour of plaintiff and awarded him £2OO damages. His Honour Raid a statement had been made that Montecino had been imprisoned for assaulting a one-armed man. The only defence was that the statements were true. If the words were true then no damages could be given. •
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Press, Volume LX, Issue 18231, 15 November 1924, Page 12
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331LIBEL ACTION. Press, Volume LX, Issue 18231, 15 November 1924, Page 12
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