After the Libel Case.

Patea Mail, 23 November 1881, Page 3

After the Libel Case.

A PERSONAL STATEMENT. Having been prosecuted for a socalled malicious and defamatory libel, I am not satisfied with merely gaining a victory in Court. My integrity and creditas a journalist have been assailed in a reckless and unjustifiable manner, and I wish to appeal to the public frankly for their good opinion and support. This libel prosecution appears to be part of an attempt by a small knot of persons to crush my independence, and possibly to ruin me commercially. They can do neither, so long as I retain the fair confidence of nine-tenths of the community. I have come here to establish a business, and to make a permanent home. lam doing both. In trying to promote the interests of my neighbors, I have sometimes to choose between the small interests of a few and the larger interests of the many. I have sided with the great majority in all cases where choice became a duty, and shall continue to identify my advocacy with the permanent interests of the many as against the schemes or personal ambitions of a few. It is not the least use trying to tempt or drive me from that plain line of duty. I have bad the good fortune to be associated heretofore with journals distinguished for straightforwardness of purpose; and I am honestly striving to make the Mail known as a journal whose independence cannot he questioned, whose influence can be used in a right cause, and whose fairness of purpose shall speak for itself. I ask the public generously to give me credit for trying to do right according to my knowledge and understanding. I am jealous of permitting the Mail to be identified with any political party ; and though I must often take a side when public questions demand it, I shall continue to steer a straight and independent course, without unduly respecting any person or party, and without unduly favoring any interest. Whether I please or offend individuals, I will honestly and fearlessly do my duty to the great majority who support me.

One of the curious features of the libel prosecution was the calling of a newspaper “ expert,” a young man of fair promise who has been writing occasional paragraphs during five years. He was called to teach me what is good taste, to instruct me how to report a meeting, and to tell me what is a libel. After 20 years of hard work as a journalist at Horae—lo years in the largest English towns, and 10 years in London —after being reporter, editor, and proprietor; after having had a staff of 12 reporters and writers at one time under my direction in London ; I have had to come here to be taught my business by a young writer of casual paragraphs. Such persons at Home are not known as journalists : they are called penny-a-liners. A word as to my commercial position. The advocate for the prosecution was allowed to say in Court that the prosecutor could not be expected to proceed against me by civil action for damages, because I was a new-comer, without a residence; and if a verdict for £SOO had been obtained, what chance could there be of recovering judgment against me ? This style of language seemed to me a wanton stab. It came from a quarter where reticence would have been wisdom. It was an insinuation against one whose name has never been associated with bankruptcy, and I devoutly hope it never will be. Having nothing to conceal, I will tell my neighbors frankly how I stand. A newspaper is in a sense public property, and I acknowledge that the supporters of the Mail have a right to know the position and antecedents of its manager, when his position is questioned in a Court. Before leaving London, my income as salary had been over £BOO a year during several years. My responsibilities as a journalist had been proportionate. The severe commercial depression during two years caused heavy losses to me, as to many others. Fearing I might lose what remained, I made a tour of these colonics to see whether a better prospect offered in new lands. I came eventually to New Zealand as a visitor, yet with a homelike preference for this above the other colonies ; and the Patea Mail being then offered to me on terms which appeared liberal, I came to Patea to try the place for three months. Satisfied then with the business, and more than pleased with the district, I concluded a deed of purchase for the Mail and properties. Having left Home without realising any of my interests, I have lost or sacrificed by. the change at least £BOO in cash ; part of that having been paid as expense of removing self, family, and effects; and the rest sacrificed

through absence. My family are now on the way, and I am preparing a home. I have brought to Patea, in money and effects, over £7OO. My interest in the Mail at this moment, including my working capital, is worth at least £1,700. I have also other interests in this district. If I chose to realise my various assets now in Patea, I could obtain probably £2,500. I have been here nearly two years, and whatever profit I have earned has been spent in extending and improving the Mail as a property. Such is my commercial position ; and I think the advocate for the prosecution assailed me with a mean and unworthy sneer when he questioned whether I was good for his impossible verdict of £SOO.

I have been put through a trying ordeal in Court. I have answered the sneer as to my commercial position. I have appealed candidly to the public for their continued confidence; and I ask them to receive and treat me on my merits as a journalist, and as a permanent settler in Patea. Edward Houghton.