LIBEL ACTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 438, 24 September 1908, Page 2

LIBEL ACTION.

Ths Lambing-Down Case

Gisborke, September 23

The libel case instituted by Joseph Burke, hotelkeeper, against the Gisborne Times newspaper for publishing a paragraph allegipg that a lambing-down case had occurred at plaintiff’s hotel, was concluded to-day. The jury were absent for about an hour, and then returned with the following verdict:—“ We find that Pearson arrived at Burke’s Hotel, the Record Reign, on August 3. He (Pearson) had in his possession then a cheque for £37 xßs, and about £5 6s in notes and silver, and that Burke got possesion of the said cheque for ,£37 18s and notes (£5), and he (Burke) has failed to satisfactorily account, for the disposal of the above moneys and that he (Burke) permitted Pearson to have as much intoxicating liquor as he asked for from time to time to Pearson’s detriment physically and morally. We find that the defendant company has fully justified their publication of the facts concerning one of the most deplorable lambing-down cases that has occurred in our midst. We therefore give our verdict in favour of the defendant company.” Upon receipt of the verdict his Honour said: “I quite agree with your verdict. I think in this case the defendant has done a public service, and it is to be hoped it will bear fruit. Of course, in connection with this lambing-down case, it is very lamentable that ,it should reflect upon other hotelkeepers who do conduct their business in a proper and respectable manner.“ Costs were allowed on the middle scale. It is understood they will amount to about £7O.