FILM DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1932, Page 5

FILM DISPUTE

END OF EVIDENCE SUGGESTION FOR COMPROMISE. ' ■ ■ ' / ■■ '\' y. \ ' (Per Press Association Copyright.) f ; AUCKLAND, September 7. In the Ninety Mile, Beach dispute counsel for the Automobile Racing Club said that, as far as he was, concerned, the, question was whether an asault had been committed by the Club, and if so, how ■ much damages should be awarded. He moved for a non-suit on the ground that there had been no evidence whatever that any person authorised by The Auckland Automobile Racing Club had committed any assault upon the. plaintiffs.

Leave to move for a non-suit was reserved. ' - , ; '

Counsel said that he was prepared to admit that the plaintiffs had been technically assaulted,. but by whom, or on whose behalf, was another matter. The claim made was a grossly extravagant one. , . r - Counsel for Butcher said that Butcher and those, associated with him were running this enterprise at their own expense in the interests .of sport, and to advertise New Zealand. So far a 3 any assault cauld he attributed to Butcher, he was quite prepared to make ample amends. It was "ridbulquawto £ • suggest that what had been described as having happened to the plaintiff, should be worth £2,200, said counsel. The claim for the loss on films was also ridiculous. , The General Manager of the Fax .V: Film Corporation in New Zealand, Eric Lloyd Ruthledge, said that a picture of a speed trial such as Smith’s would occupy two or three minutes in the news reel part of a programme. Other pictures taken of . the event would have had no chance ’ of getting into any of the theatres which were under contract to receive his Company’s news service. In tests of speed, it was the mile record that mattered. He got a good picture of Smith’s ■ run, but there was no public demand for - it. He considered that a film of what Smith actually did at the .Ninety Mile Bteach was' practically valueless.;; .. , This concluded the evidence. His Honour said that he was quite satisfied that ail assault of some kind took place,' and apparently,' four or five, people were concerned in it. There might he some difficulty in linking up ■the Club .with, the'’! matter. I? 6 thought the damages claimed were out df all reason. He suggested that counsel might meet during) the adjournment, and come to some satisfactory arrangement. - . . ' The hearing was a-djuumea.