PUBLICAN WINS DAMAGES.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1918, Page 1

PUBLICAN WINS DAMAGES.

STRATFORD, Oct, lb Mr Crookc, SAL, lias boon occupied with a claim for £9O damages preferred by Cecil Arden, hotelkeeper, against W. 11. Hawkins, Temperance lecturer and captain in the Expeditionary Force, for an allegedly malicious statement contained in a letter published in the Stratford “ Post," in which defendant referred to the “slimy hand” of the liquor traffic, insinuating that plaintiff had presented a drum to the Stratforu Band in order to make the liquor in fluenee felt, and to hinder the band from playing at temperance meetings. Judgment was given for plaintiff for £5 damages and costs, plaintiff having admitted that his character and business had not suffered, and lie was not affected in any way by the libel, except that lie had boon accused of giving the drum for the purpose of getting a hold on the band , ; in the liquor interest.

COUNSEL’S PROTEST

WELLINGTON, Oct. 10

Counsel for Captain Hawkins takes exception to the wording of a telegram from Stratford as a libel action against bis client, Captain Hawkins is represented as a temperance lecturer, whereas it is stated he was not employed in that capacity and had only casually given one lecture by request without payment. 'Hie message also stated that Captain Hawkins had insinuated that plaintiff had given a drum to the hand, hut-, as matter of fact, he knew nothing' about plaintiff or a gift of any drum, and it was clearly by accident that his general words fitted the plaintiff.