Bryee-Rusden Libel Case.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1689, 20 April 1886, Page 3

Bryee-Rusden Libel Case.

LATER DETAILS. (ELKCTRrC TELEGRAPn. — COPYRIGHT.) (ItEUTER's TI2LKGRAMS.} Adelaide, Saturday. Mr liusden admitted that he had not supplied -copies o£ the errata to the New Zealand Press. Mr Kusden admitted that lie had done Mr Bryce wrong regarding the women, but stated that he nevor imputed th:it Mr Brytre had personally slaughtered children, only that he covnuiiinded a party of cavalry who were alleged to have committed the cruelties m question. He admitted that he had been; led into sross error, but maintained, nevertheless, that at the time of writing he believed his account to be true m substance. Jhe Judge, m summing up, reinarked*that the jury had two questions to consider— first, whether it was a fair comment on fact. Mr Rusden admitted the publication of the matter, which .was now admitted to be untrue, therefore the plea tit tlia end that it was true m substance could not be sustained. The real -question, therefore, was whether the , Jibal partook of the nature of. a fbona .fide comment on a matter of public interest. Liberty must not descend into license ; though the defend ant had perfect liberty to discuss the I public proceedings of the plaintiff fairly and temperatelyt the comments must-be { within certain limits when dealing: with j the -characters of private individuals. Historians had no special orivilege to abuse public men. Mr Busden never made any pretence to impartiality, and admitted his inaccuracy. Instead of apologising iv a generous spirit for his mistake; ji-i'caius there into court iusti fyirwj'the libel, alleging everything he had stated to be true m substance and fact.. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, damages £5000.