SLANDER CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1932, Page 5

SLANDER CLAIM

COUNTY ELECTIONS SEQUEL J Per Press Associatiovr- Copyright.) NEW PLYMOUTH, September 13. Alfred Cbrkill, former chairman of the Inglewood County) Council, who was defeated at the last elections, sued Robert Stuart, the present chairman, for £125 damages, alleging that slanderous statements ■ had been made in the course of his campaign in opposition to the plaintiff (both candiates being for the same riding) a few days before the election on May 11. The claim was for £IOO general damages, and £25 for the loss of the office of county chairman.

The statement of claim set out various statements alleged to be false and malicious. The first statement was that the plaintiff (Corkill) had taken the county men off the roads to do private work on his: own- private road, and that eight cases of benzine were given to the men to get to and from his farm, Counsel for the defendant indicated that the defence was, firstly, that the statements were not made as set out; secondly, that any statements made were true, and would be justified. Referring to some of the statements that plaintiff enumerated, he Baid that they were fair comment, and were not libellous, and also said that, in any case, the occasions (addresses to ratepayers) were clearly privileged. The hearing was adjourned, the case not having been completed,