SLANDER.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1926, Page 1

SLANDER.

[BY TI-'-EURAPII —PER PRESS ASSOOIAI lON.] AUCKLAND, Aug. 10. The Raratongan slander action, Donald versus Lewis, was continued today. The defendant said the petition and letter pointed to the existence of considerable coin plaint in the island, but the rumours had been killed after investigation. He took 110 part in the preparation or circulation of the petition, which was written and translated bv Cowfin, in his presence; and he declined to take it to Wellington unless given a letter to the Minister that a copy of the. petition would ho left with the Resident Commissioner. Sir Maui Pomare, he said, had pestered him in their Wellington interview with inquiries. He could see now Sir Maui was “pumping Him.”

To Mr Treadwell: Defendant denied that lie told Pomare lie would prove the charges to the hilt; that ho could prove that the bov bad died because of tbe doctor’s carelessness. To Mr Treadwell: “So Pomare and Smith.came up from Wellington to commit deliberate perjury? Defendant : “I can’t say anything about that.” Defendant’s wife gave corroborative evidence. TTTR VERDICT. AUCKLAND, Aug. 10. In the Donald slander .icaso. the jury returned.a verdict for tho plaintiff for £250, by a majority of nine to' three. Plaintiff iy.n,s awarded costs.