A REMARKABLE LIBEL SUIT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1363, 9 July 1885, Page 3

A REMARKABLE LIBEL SUIT.

A suit for libel of rather a remarkable character is pending just now in Auckland and will probably come to trial this session of the Supremo Court, as Justice Gillies has granted an order for a special jury. The plaintiff is a wealthy resident of Deniliquin, N.S.W., named Elliot, who paid Auckland a flying visit a month since, and the defendant is a well-known brewer named Hancock, identified with the Capt. Cook Hotel. It seems that at the. early part of this year Hancock was persuaded by his friends to commit to writing for private publication the leading incidents in his very chequer ed career. He accordingly wrote a very interesting narrative, which William Coleman edited, and in March last the work bearing the title “ A Short Sketch of Some Incidents in the Colonial Life of Thos. Hancock,” was issued from the Press and circulated ; of course confined to members of the family. Towards the end of the volume the author describes some partnership transactions which he had at, Melbourne about 1854 with Elliot, and singularly enough this gentleman returned to Auckafter an absence of 30 years during the week following the appearance of the “ short sketch;'’ A mutual friend confidingly showed him a copy of it, and believing an imputation was cast upon his honor by remarks made in the book concerning him, he at once proceeded to vindicate his character by means of legal procedings. Hancock fancied Elliot was dead, and bis surprise on hearing he was alive was only transcended by amazement that he should have come to Auckland at such a juncture. The chapter of events has therefore led up in a very unexpected manner to the reopening of a trouble or a misunderstanding which the defacing hand of time had almost obliterated. After 30 years the quondam partners are to appeal to the Court for a determination of their difficulties.