The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1908. THE RAW OF LEBEL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 393, 4 June 1908, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1908. THE RAW OF LEBEL.

Under the above heading the Stratford Post writes as follows : “The ordinary newspaper reader knows very little, and cares less, regarding the risks run by the proprietor in endeavouring to supply the most authentic news concerning the doings of public men. The law of libel in the Dominion is so elastic that the man at the corner, on reading an article or paragraph in a paper, may conclude that there is a clear case, and forthwith he goes to his nearest friend or admirer, and asks his opinion as to the construction that would be put upon the writing in question, very probably suggesting the answer. The next step would possibly be to demand an apology, failing which a writ would be served, claiming damages. Very few newspapers, having made a statement in the interests of the general public, are inclined to make apology for something which they were very likely not guilty. Many instances have occurred in N.Z. in which newspaper proprietors have been put to considerable expense and anxiety in defending cases that have been instituted more with a desire to secure damages than to vindicate character, and the Judge of the Court has not been slow to characterise such proceedings as anything but honourable, frequently directing the jury as to the verdict. But nevertheless, the expense and anxiety has to be borne. It is pleasing to notice, however, that the Attorney-General, Dr Findlay, has given a promise to bring down a measure which will make it more secure for honest journalism by placing obstacles in the way of the damage-hunting class that will

make it almost prohibitory for them to take action where no real grounds exist. Newpaper proprietors only want fair play, and under the existing law that is denied them. The general public should likewise be safeguarded, and we have no doubt they will be to the fullest extent necessary in any new measure that is introduced.”