CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 241, 20 March 1915, Page 5

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.

A GISBORJJE CASE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, ast Night. The action in \vliic!i Dr. James Mclldownie, of Portsmouth, Engliyid, is ekiining from his cousin, Mrs. W. J, Buttimore, nee Gibson, of Gisborne. tli ■ sum of £OOOO as damages for alleged slander, was concluded at the Supreme Court at a late hour. It appeared that James Gibson had made a devise of property worth £00(10 to the plaintiff (Dr. Mcjldownie) which he .subsequently revoked, ultimately devising part of'that property to Dr." Mclldownio's wife anil children. The doctor alleged that defendant had influenced testator in changing liis will, and had slandered plain till' by imputing drunkenness to him. Defedant absolutely denied the allegation. In the course, of lier .examination, defendant admitted that she kept house for testator, and that during his life time lie had made her presents of nn amount totalling between eight and nine thousand pounds. She alleged that the change in testator's will was brought about through his hearing of the plaintiff's domestic relations. The jury, by eleveiv to one, found for defendant. Judgment was therefore entered for lier, with costs £l3B 4s, together with disbursements and witnesses' expenses, to be fixed bv the gistrar.