THE PALMERSTON LIBEL Case

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 47, 2 October 1884, Page 2

THE PALMERSTON LIBEL Case

VRKDICT FOE PLAINTIFF. The case of G. W. Russell r. McMinn and McKelvie, for alleged libel, began at the Wanganni Supreme Court on Tuesday last. Amongst other evidence giveu was the following :—

Louise Crawford, sworn/stated she was an actress. She was trareliing witfc the Wilmott Company, and visited Palmer. ston North about the latter end of May, 1883, and again in the mon,th of June. Was introduced to Mr Buusell by some, member of the* company. Had seen Htm at the theatre, and also at the hotel after the performance. Did not invite hhn there. They generally had refreshments after the performances, and plaintiff was at these refreshments each night. He did not explain why he had joined in the suppers. Witness spoke to the landlord of the hotel about plaintiff, as Mrs Wilkinson (Amy Johns) and herself did not care for his company. On Saturday night, the 9th of June, the company played at Palmerston, and alter the play the plaintiff walked with witnesß and the other ladies of the company to the hotel, and had snpper there. The supper was held in the dining room. To reach the private part of the hotel they had to cross a small yard. They all left the room together, witness being last. The plaintiff tried the door and found it locked. Witness remarked that the key was gone. ihe plaintiff laid his hand on witueis's arm and said " iS'erer mind, I can come and stay in your room." SherepHfd, " It's like your impertinence," and used stronger language. The witness threw plaintiffs band off and went upstairs. She had not given the plaintiff any encouragement. Witness complained to Mr Carroll, and also to Mr Wilkinson, and also to all the other ladies of the company. When witness next saw the plaintiff, he was o» the stage behind the curtain; and on one particular night, when they played * Lurline," and witness was in her dressing-room with Mrs Wilkinson, and not in a fit state to receive gentlemen visitor*, the plaintiff opened the door and did not seem to hurry away as any gentlemen would hare done under the circumstances. Both of them banged the door in his face, "tfe did not apologise.

John Murphy, sworn, stated that he was waiter at Wakoley's Hotel, and was there in April, 1884. He remembered going out of the side door of the hotel and meeting a native woman coming m. She complained of plaintiffs conduct. In consequence of the statement made by the woman, witness went with her and met Mr Bussell.who he now saw in court. When she spoke Mr Russell must hare heard, as she spoke very load, and witness understood her to say " That wa* the pakeha that prevented her going home." The plaintiff did not make any reply, and in his usual manner walked straight away without taking any notice. In Mr Susbell's hearing she pointed t* him aid repeated the statement. Tho plaintiff appeared to cross the road to if on his way home. The woman was not calm when she spoke. It happened this year. There were reports respecting Mr Bussell'B chastity previous to this ooeurrtnoe.

Yesterday. Alex. MeMinn, sworn, said he was one of the defendants in this action,, aid was publisher and editor of the Menawata Standard. The paper was started' by witness about four year* ago: The proprietorship of the paper bad now passed into the hands of Mr McXelrie. He been a journalist for 16 years in this colony. During that time he had been connected with four libel eases on account of the journals for which he was writing. Before the publication of the letter " More Light" witness had made inquiries, and learned what he considered were sufficient grounds for publication.

G. W. Kussell, sworn, stated that he was the plaintiff in the present action. He was a resident of Palmerston North, and was lately the proprietor of the Manawata Daily Times. Had been a Justice of the Peace for fire years. Was married in 1879 and had three children. Had no trouble at New Plymouth with ladies. If there were reports to the oen« trary they were false? and he could say the same of Hokitika. He had nerer known that his name had been coupled with women at either place. He left the church for rarious reasons, that would take too long to explain. He had nerer been accused of dealings with women as Hckitika. He beliered that lie had made himself unpopular on the Gillespie que». tion, and said to Gillespie that he was sorry that the thing had gone so far. ' - He flat'yd^nied what Miss Crawford had said in her evidence. They bad been good, friends, and he beliered that she was nnnoyed with Mr Carroll. The state, ments she made were absolutely false. If tli ere were truth in them she would, hare laid an information against witness long ago.

Mr I4uk.rd.anct Mr Shaw addressed the jury at considerable length. EtfrPeuor summed up the evidence^ his addreis occupying nearly ah hour. The jujjr retired at ten minutes to 8 o'clock/ and at seven minutes to 11 returned" with a verdict for the plaintiff with £10 damages. They were then discharged. , ' ;

The court adjourned till 10 o'clock thil morning. -: