LIBEL ACTION FAILS

Chronicle (Levin), 23 November 1946, Page 4

LIBEL ACTION FAILS

-Press Association

By Telegraph-

AUCKLAND, Nov. 22. A verdiet for defendauc newspaper was returned tonight by a jury a.t the close of the rehearing.of the Gaim for £600 damages for alleged libel brouglu by the secretary of ' the Auckland Drivers' Union, Mr. Lawrence "Gerard Matthews, against Wilson and llorton, Ltd., publishers. The case was held over five d ays in the Supreme Court before .Mr. Justice Gallan. After a retirement of five hours the jury returned with a majority decision. They held that the \vords complained oi were not defamatory to plaintilT, tliai they were true in substance and in fact and that they were fair comment. Judgment was .entered for d.efendant with costs according. to scale for each of the two trials with 15 guineas a day extra each day beyond the lirst day, and 10 guineas a day throughout foi second counsel. The claim was based upon the ternnof a leading article published in the N.ew Z.ealand Herald on Beptember 12 1.945, under the heading "The Bus Wtrike. " Among the words particulai ly complained of were: "The men who have fooiishly followed their leadei> are perhaps less at fault than the denni gogues who hold the publie to ransom. The men have been gulled by th.e demagogues' love of pow'er. ' CliieJ among the leaders is Mr. L. G. Mat thews. This man would ordinarily be of no signifieanee in the community. "