CONTEMPT OF COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1925, Page 3

CONTEMPT OF COURT

NKWSPA PE IPs CHARGED. 11Y TEI.F.UIti fit PKH Cl ESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. On. lb. The paragraph quoted from the *‘Star'' by .judge Sim was to the elfecl tint t "one witness, Mrs I.ucv Pro.s-er. while speukiig of her knowledge of the Mounts, spared many quick smiles fur Monat Arthur David Diinkley, publisher of the “Sun", wits also charged with contempt in respect ot the publication ot a paragraph fit.lit which the above quotation was made. The Attnrncvflettcral .-übtuit toil licit it the paragraph amounted to continent, then II must be contempt, and was proliihite* l . •i fact whereof l lie newspauers should tie made aware. Mr Gresson, for the ‘•Sun.'" contended the defence rested on the ground-, that, the Court, ,il with open doors, and newspapers arc entitled to intblis ! fair and at curate reports of the prooeetlitigs therein. Counsel contended the reference to a witness smiling at (la- prisoner was merely a statement ol fact. tilli*ing la-t evidence. It the w*it Me,, had shook her list at the prisoner, a newspaper would have been entitled r> publish tt statement to that eifect. am. both lii, and her smile must he treated similarly as fails. The Court held the out.beat ion amounted to .nnieotpt. at.e he wits instructed to express on behalf of the ‘-Stitt" that tbe oil.■nee was inad-

vertent. Mr Upliant. for the "Star." urged that. in. this case, publication incurred after tlie jury had given their xerdn t. so tbe eoui*,e ol lust " e could on) ha.'.e been alfeoted. but if the C evented the paper was guilty , t cou'.et.ipt then he was in,l meted to express regret. Decision was rescrved.