A NOVEL LIBEL ACTION. A Cleric and Sea Captain at Loggerheads.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 80, 13 December 1884, Page 6

A NOVEL LIBEL ACTION. A Cleric and Sea Captain at Loggerheads.

The preliminary steps have just been taken in a suit for libel, which promises to engage considerable interest as well as to afford ample opportunity for pleasantry, should it find its way into Court. A clergyman of the Church of England, who has resided for some time past in Auckland, but who is without a flock to minister to, is the plaintiff, while the defendant is the well-known skipper of a ship engaged in trading between London and Auckland, and now in this port. The alleged libel was committed both during the previous voyage of the vessel to Auckland (when plaintiff was among the passengers), and also after her arrival here. It seems that the alleged libel consisted in the captain denouncing the cleric before the passengers as a swearer, a pugilist, and a gambler, and 'similarly cheapening his character to Bishop Cowie, the alleged result being his failure to obtain Priestly employment or recognition. He then made application to the Board of Education, and failing there also attributed his want of success to the same agencies. The reverend prosecutor, we understand, also prefers a number of minor complaintsagain9tthe captain, amongst them being that he was subjected tothederision oi the passengers through his effigy beingslung up to the yardarm, doubtless to signify what, in the skipper's opinion, was the fate which he merited. The captain will doubtless put another complexion upon the story, but at present he has taken no action.

The Colonial Secretary and Mr G. S. Cooper, Under-Secretary, intend making a tour of inspection of hospitals, &c. They start next week, and the South Island is to bo yisited first.