A Sensational Slander Case.

Manawatu Herald, 14 May 1904, Page 2

A Sensational Slander Case.

THE PROSECUTION BREAKS DOWN. The action was brought by Sievier against Sir James Duke, not Duke, trainer (as previously cabled). It provided a sensational trial lasting a week. Sievier denied that he was “ ducked ” in Adelaide for card sharping, or expelled from the Melbourne Gun Club, but admitted that he was expelled from the Victoria Club. He admitted having been divorced in Australia, but denied that he won £15,000 at billiards from Dr Fife, of Melbourne. He explained that his presentation at a London levee was cancelled because he bad been a bookmaker in Australia. He admitted winning £7OO at billiards from Ernest Horn, at Monte Carlo, witness filling the cheques—one for £6OO in his own favour, and the other £IOO in his wife’s favour—when Horn was in a chrqnic state of alcoholism. The bank paid the £IOO cheque, but refused to pay that for £6OO.

The bearing incidentally revealed that Sievier undertook to insure every Dunstable volunteer going to South Africa for £IOO, but when the claims were presented he refused to pay, saying hia secretary had bungled the business. Inspector Drew said be bad known Sievier for several years. He bad a bad reputation. Two men, who were associated in some of bis gambling incidents, revealed, at the bearing, that they were not serious card sharpers. When counsel bad concluded Sievier wept copiously. The jury stopped the case and Justice Grantham severely handled Sievier for eloping with Lady Mabel two days before her marriage, another man spending her fortune. He bad never beard of a more disgraceful or discreditable thing than the Dunstable incident. This man bad the audacity to secure presentation at a levee in Victoria. He would rather have given up the throne than be addressed by such a man. A verdict was given for the defendants with costs.