THE LAW OF LIBEL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 398, 9 June 1881, Page 3

THE LAW OF LIBEL.

■ As now framed the law of libel presses most unjustly upon the respectable newspaper, while its obligations rest as lightly as feathers on those who conduct so-c4led ‘‘society journals.” Any Tom, Dick, or Harry may subject a newspaper proprietor to great worry and probable expense t y raising some frivolous action for libel with the idea of extorting money. Not only can this be done, but it is done. The newspaper proprietor may be weak enough to yield, but bis only alternative involves great anx’ety and certain expense, for though be may gain the day be is left to pay his lawyers’ costs. Thus has a well intentioned law become a clonk to the swindler, and a fear to the honest man. We believe that a very simple amendment in the law would remedy the evil to a great extent. Every newspaper proprietor should be compelled to find satisfactory bouds to a substantial amount —say £looo—and failing this the actual deposit of the money should be required This would at once muzzle foul-mouthed editors and unpiincipled proprietors. On the other hand the respectable newspaper proprietor should be protected from those who would coerce and swindle him. — Hawke’s Bay Herald.