LIBEL CASE SETTLED

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1930, Page 5

LIBEL CASE SETTLED

APOLOGY ACCEPTED

(By Telegraph—Press Association) <

WELLINGTON, March 5

An echo of the Hutt bye-election was heard in the Lower Hutt Magistrate’s Court this morning when, after two adjournments, the case of Walter Nash versus Walter H. Smith, was settled. The charge against the defendant;. wjio is the publisher of the “Hint News’" was that between > the issue of writ in the .Hutt bye- * election and the close of the poll, he published an untrue statement, defamatory to Walter Nash, and calculated to influence the votes of the electors . U

“Since these s'proceedings - were issued” said Mr W: ‘ P'. Rollings, for the plaintiff, “the defendant has expressed to Mr Nash his regret at having published the statement, which misrepresents" Mr Nash’s;;- political views to such an extent as. do words complained of, and although, my client feels keenly that to accuse him of a desire to establish Soviet like form of Government, in New’ Zealand is untrue and unfair, he has no wish to be vindictive, and is prepared to accept the defendant’s apology. I therefore ask leave to withdraw the information The question of costs has been arranged between the parties.” , , ' To this Mr C. R. Barrett, who appeared for the defendant, assented. His client had no wish to identify Mr Nash with the present aims and' objects of Soviet in any way. That’s much the better way of settling a case like this. I congratulate you gentlemen” said the Magistrate, Mr W. Woodward.