SHILLING DAMAGES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1932, Page 5

SHILLING DAMAGES

LIBEL CLAIM AGAINST PAPER.

WRESTLER WINS HIS CASE.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, November 29

A libel action by Peter Limutken, the wrestler, claiming £75 damages from Warnes and Stephenson, the proprietors of the “New Zealand Sportsman,” in connection with a. statement, by Karasick in commenting on a challenge by Limutken, offering to wrestle inter alia, for charity is proceeding at the Magistrate’s Court to-day. The statement referred to the match with Limutken a s “a pipe-opener,’’ and adding, this charity business is ail “bunk!” All he is looking for is a good house.”

Plaintiff’s counsel alleged that this statement was never made by Karasick and that it was written by a publicity agent. The “Sportsman” published a correction in which Karasick denied having made or authorised such a statement, but Limutkin did not consider it sufficient. The case is proceeding. Counsel for the defendant submitted first that there was.no libel contained in the statement and secondly, it was submitted that the statement was true, and that the statement of October 22 was fair comment on a matter of public interest made in good faith and without malice.

After one witness for the defence had given evidence, the Magistrate said that it was clear t 0 him that a libel had been committed, but he thought that no damage had been suffered. He awarded one shilling damages.