SLANDER CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 691, 10 December 1902, Page 1

SLANDER CASE.

Wellington, Monday. The Supreme Court inis been occupied for two days in the hearing of a peouliar case, in which W. J. Y. Dennett sued Uie Key. William Thompson, claiming £5Ol for alleged slander. The plaintilf is a builder, and the defendant., who formerly liad a Presbyterian Church in Palmerston North, has now charge of a church which he himself founded, known as the Scots Church. The plaintiff was an office-bearer and Sunday School Superintendent in this Church, and the slander complained of was in reference to an alleged statement by \ the defendant regarding the plaintiff’s . behaviour towards certain young girls, The jury found for jthc plaintiff, but awarded him only one farthing damages. There are some law points in connection with the ease to be argued. During the cross-examination of the defendant, Mr Jellieoe, counsel for the

plaintiff, endeavored to elicit wncthcr or not the reverend gentleman had been employed by the Licensed Victuallers’ Association for a large sum of money to deliver lectures in their interest on the eve of the local option poll. The questions, on this point were ruled to have no bearing on the issue and were not answered, The cross-examination at this stage became somewhat lively, Witness submitted that the matter had nothing to do with the question at issue, and the Chief Justice concurred, Mr Jellieoe returned to Uie charge, “I ask you," lie - said, •* a direct; question. Were you paid £IUU for live lectures which you delivered against Prohibition

llis Honor 1 1 don’t see what that has to do with this case. Do you mean to say that any man who talks against Prohibition is not worthy of credence ?

Mr Jellieoe: I submit that no true Christian minister would receive pay to lecture on behalf oi the drink traffic. Mr Skerrett : My friend's virtue is beautiful. —(Laughter.) Mr Jellieoe : I submit that if a man would sell his principles it goes to

show his character. His Honor : Hut you don’t ask him

anything abiSut his views. They maybe against Prohibition. Mr Jellieoe repeated his question about the alleged engagement to deliver lectures, and witness replied, 1 submit to his Honor’s ruling. Counsel for the plaintiff then resumed liis seat. Mr .Skerrett (to witness) : I suppose you have your own opinions on the question of Prohibition ! Witness : Yes ; I have. Mr Skerrett .' And f suppose you have your own opinions oi Mr ocinCOG ? Witness (With emphasis) : Aery strong opinions.—(Laughter.) Mr Skerrett f So have I.—(Kenewed laughter.) _