LIBEL CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1929, Page 6

LIBEL CLAIM

THE SOUTHLAND CASE. - (By Telegraph—Press Association). INVERCARGILL, February 27. The libel action brought against the Southland News Coy and the Southland limes Coy by the Southland Farmers’ Cash Supply Service was continued this morning in the Supreme Court before his Honour Justice MacGregor, when the case for plaintiffs was presented. Ernest Joseph Scanlan, senior member of the plaintiff firm, gave evidence that lie had come to Invercargill early in October of 1928, with the object of entering into the business that he Was now carrying on. A similar organisation had been established for 18 years in Australia. The effect of these organisations was to help the farmer to buy his goods cheaper. They made no trading profits, relying entirely on on the annual subscription of £5 os. He thought that when fully organised his business would attain that end. As the result of the publication of the statement made at the Farmers’ Union meeting, the support of backers had been withdrawn. His Honour: I think what you are claiming here is general damages. Witness: Also our trading decreased by 500 per cent. His Honour: Surely not. You’d have ceased to exist, and have become a minus quantity. Witness: I mean our trading has decreased by four-fiifths as the result of the libel. It is almost impossible for us to resuscitate our business. Our representatives are meeting with refusals. George Edward Stokes, a member of the firm, also gave evidence, and after counsels’ addresses, his Honour gave his decision in favour of plaintiffs 'for £9OO damages, with costs.