IN THE COURTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9, 4 September 1912, Page 5

IN THE COURTS.

PAPER WINS LIBEL ACTION.

(Ter Press Association.) Wanganui September 3. The Supreme Court \vas_ occupied all day hearing a case in which Mr C. E. Mackay, Mayor of Wanganui, claimed £5Ol damages from the Wanganui Herald for alleged libel. The claim was based on a statement made by an anonymous correspondent. The jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict for the defendant, for whom judgment, with costs, was entered. SEPARATION. Wellington, September 3. An important joint has arisen with regard to procedure at the Magistrate’s Court as to the right of a solicitor to sue a husband in respect of his wife’s costs in connection with proceedings instituted to obtain a summary separation under the Destitute Persons Act. The woman sought a separation in the Otaki Court, and an agreement was come to by consent. No application was made for costs. The solicitors then sued in the Wellington Court for costs. Dr. McArthur, S.M., said the Act intended that all questions as to costs should Do dealt with by the Court of summary jurisdiction. Plaintiff’s application should have been made to the Court at Otaki, when the complaint was being hoard. Judgment was for defendant. THE ANCHOR WATCH.

Wellington, September 3. Judgment was given to-day in tin* Magistrate’s Court ease in which Captain Cowan, of the Himitangi, failed to keep an anchor watch when the vessel went ashore at the Chathams, contrary to regulation S of the Cenoral Harbour Regulations. A fireman was on watch, hut the Marine Department contended that he was not a seaman. The defence was that it had been the custom for some years for small s o iners for firemen to take the anchor watch instead of a deck hand. His Worship said that he thought the word “seaman” in the regulation meant an A. 15. or ordinary seaman, as opposed to a fireman. Defendant was convicted, hut as he followed a practice which had existed for some wars, only a nominal penalty was indicted, lie was fined Is, and cost it Ss.