DAMAGES FOR SLANDER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3770, 3 September 1907, Page 3

DAMAGES FOR SLANDER.

At the Supreme Court, Wanganui on Friday, his Honor gave judgment in the claim of Lily Parker to recover damages from a young man named Davey for slander; namely, statements against the young woman’s character. His Honor said he had no doubt that the slander was proved, and he reserved his decision to assess the amount of damages. The libel was a serious one, and had the defendant been in a good position, good all-round damages would have been given to compensate the girl for what she had suffered, and the difficulty after such statements, to reinstate her name. He thought the judgment would vindicate her character, and she was quite justified in bringing the case into Court, in order that publicity might be given to the fact that the young man altogether withdrew the statements, and had apologised. An apology was, however, not an absolute defence in a case of this kind, but the Court considered it a mitigation in the matter of damages The apology was not sufficient, however emphatic it might be- To grossly slander, and allow the slander to get about, and then apologise was not adequate compensation for the wrong done. Owing to the young man (22 years) being but an apprentice at his work, and in receipt of but 20s per week, while his parents had nothing to keep him with, he would not make damages heavy, as the object was to vindicate the girl’s character, which had now been amply done, he would award damages, besides the £5 paid into Court, making damages in all.

Mr Mackay, for the defendant, objected to the costs, as the case could have been heard in the District Court. His Honor said. there was sufficient reason for taking the case into the Supreme Court, and fixed costs on the lowest scale.