ALLEGED LIBEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1917, Page 1

ALLEGED LIBEL.

Vigor Brown Falls In. NAPIER, March 23rd. Air. J. Vigor Brown ALP., Alayor of Napier- and member of the Napier Harbour Board to-day sued A. E. Jull, of Waipawa, Chairman of Napier Harbour Board, for £5Ol damages claimed for the following utterance made by the Chairman at the Board Meeting last August Sth:—‘‘l have every reason to say that Air. Brown has not acted as he should have acted. ITis action was tantamount to a person agreeing to become a foster parent to an infant, ad then takng it to a quiet place and strangling it. It was equivalent to Germany’s submarine- policy. Air. Brown did not even advise them that the amendment was in progress, and ha was acting in conformity with the best usages. I doubt whether there is< another member of the House who would take up the same attitude as Air. Brown. , I feel it is a pity when an opportunity occurs to benefit the people of. Napier, and for the member to assist, that member should spike their guns and profit the. work going on.” Mr .Tull was referring to Mr Brown’s attitude concerning the Napier HarViour Board Empowering Bill, which, was not submitted to Parliament last session. The Jury returned a verdict for the defendant with costs against • plaintiff.