DAMAGES FOR SLANDER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 5 September 1907, Page 4

DAMAGES FOR SLANDER.

At ttie Supreme Court, Wanganui, the other day, his Honor gave judgment in the claim of Lily Parker to recover £2OO damages from a young man named Davey for slander, namely, statements against the young woman's character. His Honor said he had no doubt that the slander was proved, and be reserved his decision to assess the amount of damages. The libel was a serious one, and had the defendant been in a good position good all-round damages would have been given to compensate the girl for what she must have suffered, and the difficulty, after such statements, to reinsctate her name. He thought the judgment would vindicate her character, and she was quite justified in bringing tlio ease into court in order that publicity might be given to the fact that the young man had withdrew his statments, and had apologised An apology was, however, not an absolute defence in a case of this kind, but the Court considered" it a mitigation in the matter of damages. The apology-was not sufficient, no matter how emphatic it might be. To grossly slander, and allow the slander to get about, and then apologise, was not adequate compensation for the wrong done." Owing to the young man (22 years) being but an apprentice at his work, and in receipt of but 20s per week, while his parents had nothing to keep hini with, he would not make damages heavy, and as the object was to yndieate the girl's character, which has now lieen amply done, he would award £lO damages, besides the £5 paid into court making £ls damages in all.

-Air Maekay, for the defendant, objected to the costs, as the case could have been heard in the District Court. His Honor said there was sufficient [reason for taking the case into the Supreme Court, and fixed costs on the lowest scale.