THE OTAKI CASE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 March 1911, Page 3

THE OTAKI CASE.

To the Editor. Sir, —'I read the advertisement in your paper re the supposed burglary at Mr Byron Brown's shop at Otaki, ttml also the finding of the tribunal set. up by Mr Byron Brown (Justice of the Peace). 'Hie advertisement is utterly misleading to-those who do not take into consideration the libel Act passed last session. ll' 31 r Byron Brown, -T.P., 'will sign a bond for £200 -for each witness indemnifying thein from .prosecution under the • said Libel Act, and re-open the enquiry to enable these men to come forward, ilicy will give evidence as to what they saw on the night of the supposed burglary. One of tho most eminent lawyers in "Wellington has advised 1 that, under the last Libel Act, a man not only has to prove what ilfe says to be true but also that he said it for the benefit of the community, otherwise be fined CIOO or three months imprisonment. If Mr Bvron Brown. does not reopen this enquiry and accept our challenge it is our earnest intentions to petition the Minister of .Justice for a public enquiry.-- Yours etc.. .irSTICK. Otaki. March 27, Hill.

YAXTvEE JUSTfCK.