LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2954, 19 April 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

«. [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. — BRYOE-RUSDEN LIBEL TRIAL. FURTHER PARTICULARS. (Received April 17, 3 p.m.) Adelaide, April IT. Files of London papers to hand, per Chimborazo, give full details of the Bryce-Rusden libel trial. Bryce was examined at great length, and the manner in which he gave his evidence produced a favorable impression on the .Judge and jury. Defendant’s counsel in cross-exarainatimf evinced a desire to indicate that the action was brought more to clear the reputation of the Hall Government than to satisfy the honor of Bryce, but the Court refused to countenance this attempt, and reminded the jury that the question at issue was solely whether, as stated by Rusdeu, Bryce attacked women and childred, “cutting them down gleefully and easily.” Judge Baron Huddleston declared, in summing up, that the defence on that point had failed completely. Bryce was cross-examined very closely as to the details of the Parihaka incident, as the counsel for the defence endeavored to show that Bryce had treated Te Whiti with unnecessary harshness, and the policy of the Hall Government with regard to this matter was canvassed; hut the Court held that personal harshness on the part on Mr Bryce must be cited. The chief intersst of the trial centred in the defence, which was generally regarded as essentially weak. Rusden in his examination stated that he had endeavored to write a true history of New Zealand upon material supplied him hy the Bishop of Wellington (Dr. Had field) and Sir Arthur Gordon, then Go vernor of New Zealand, also from the blue books of New Zealand and the press, as well as from personal conversation with Maori natives. He disclaimed all idea of being actuated hy ill feeling or malice towards Bryce personally, but maintained that the proceedings at Parihaka were of the cruellest nature. In cross-examination Rusden admitted that when he compiled the history in question he had heard nothing as to the slaughter of the wives and children of the natives, hut was subsequently informed of Bryce’s action in the matter through Sir Anhui’ Goidon and Bishop Hadfield. Hence he came to write the paragraph which formed the subject of the present action. He placed reliance upon the statements made to him hy Bishop Hadfield and communications received from Sir Arthur Gordon. When he discovered the mistake he made in declaring that women were present at the woolshed, he prepared a list of erra*a for the bo k, but gave uo orders to attach the errata to the copies j printed. j

(Received April 17, 6 p.m.) Later. Rusden also admitted that he had not supplied copies of the errata to the New Zealand Press. Rusden admitted that he had done Bryce wrong. Regarding the .women, he stated (had he never imputed that Bryce had personally slaughtered the children ; he only commanded the party of cavalry that was alleged to have committed the cruelties in question. He admitted that he had been led into gro.-s error * but he maintained nevertheless that at the time of writing he believed his account was true in substance. The Judge in summing up remarked that the jnty had two questions to consider first, whether it was fair comment on the facts Rusden admitted to he undine. The real question therefore was whether the libel partook of the nature ot bona-fide comment on matters of public interest. Liberty must not descend into license. Though defendant had perfect liberty to discuss the public proceedings of plaintiff fairly and temperately, the comments must he within certain limits when dealing with the characters of private individuals. Historians had no special privilege about public men. Rusden never made any pretence to impartiality, and had admitted his inaccuracy. Instead of apologising in a generous spirit for his mistakes he came into court justifying the libel, alleging everything that had been stated to be true in substance and in fact. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, with damages £SOOO. 5 (Received April 19, 11.43 a.m.) Sydney, April 19. Arrived, on Saturday afternoon, the steamship Hauroto, from Wellington.