VON ZEDLITZ CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1920, Page 4

VON ZEDLITZ CASE.

CLAIM FOR ALLEGED LIBEL (Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 4

Tie Hearing ol’ tile claim ior £IOOO damages, for alleged libel, by George von Zedlitz, Proiessoi' of Languages at Victoria University College, against the “New Zealand Times.,” was commenced before His Honour Mr Justice Edwards and a jury of 12 to-day. The alleged libel ivas 'the publication, 'on July 29th, 1919, of a letter containing tile words: —

“Hi 1914 the German alien eiieiiiy on title Victoria College stall' was arrested for a breach of the War Begulations, and was released by one of ddr Ministers, as a Gernilih alien orieiny prisoner, on parole, and, although Such, was reinstated by the Victoria College Council, which declined a proffered resignation.” Tlie following words were also claimed to be libeUp.ds : “liife munificent ooilip'eiisatioh ftir an alien cnohiy deelaited to be a pilshner of war for d puriisllaljle offence against tiie llealnl by th,C Victoria College Council, at the public expedite, contrasts strangely with tile conditions under .which our soldiers arc treated after years of service, hard fighting, and suffering, oh their discharge.” It was stated that 'the plaintiff asked for an apology, but the defendant declined.

The statement of defence denied the chief allegations made in the statement of claim.

Plaintiff in his evidence stated that ho was never arrested or interned.

The hearing of the case had not concluded when the Court rose for the day. It will be resumed to-morrow rkoriiihg, when the defendant company’s ca‘se will be 'heard.