LAW REPORTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2468, 22 May 1915, Page 15

LAW REPORTS

SUPREME COURT £50 DAMAGES FOR SLAND ER In the Supremo Court yesterday, before His Honour Sir. Justice Edwards and a common jury of four, Sydney Henry Newstead, tramway motorman, of Wellington, proceeded against Robert Irving Lawrence, of Wellington, to recover the sum of £250 damages for alleged slander. Mr. H. F. O'Leary appeared for Newstead, whilo Mr. W. I l '. Ward appeared for tho defendant (LawTcnee). It was set out in the statement of olaim that Newstead bad up to December 19, 1914, been a tenant of a house owned by Lawrence. On February 18 last, at about 6.20 a.m., Newstead met Lawrence at the junction of Russell Terrace and Riddifold Street. Lawrence then said that Newstead owed him some money, and inquired as to when Newstead would pay. Tho latter replied that his lawyer would settle that. Lawrence nest called Newstead "a thief, a rogue, and a scoundrel," and declared that he could have him {Newstead) "put in gaol." The defence was a denial that Newstead was called a thief. Evidence in the case was brief, and the jury retired at noon to consider what their verdict should be. After deliberating for twenty minutes, they returned a verdict in favour of the plaintiff (Newstead), and assessed his damages at the sum of £50. His' Honour accordingly entered judgment for tho plaintiff, with costs on the lowest scale.