SIR J. VOCEL'S LIBEL ACTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.- PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2209, 4 September 1886, Page 2

SIR J. VOCEL'S LIBEL ACTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.- PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday.

Sih J. Vooel's libel action against the Evening Pre*s began at 10 to-day. The cliiim is for £1500 damages for each of two articles referring to what was known as " The Wnimate Railway Scandal." Defendants' plea is that the matters referred to in the articles Ret forth in the statement of claim are matters of public interest and concern, and that all the alleged libellous statements were fair comments on all matters therein referred to, and were published in bona tide and for the public benefit, without any sinister or malicious motives, and without negligence, and in honest belief of the truth thereof. Mr Travors appeared for Sir J. Vogel and Mr Bell for defendants. Sir J. Prendergast was on the bench. Mr Travfirs' owning <iddress was longthy. Up to lunch time only two witnesses were called. Mr Macdonald gave evidence as to the impression caused by reading the articles. Sir J. Vogel was then called, and answered a question or two from Mr Travers, after which he was cross-examined till the luncheon adjournment, chiefly as to his action in the House when the report of the committee came up, and 1m connection with the New Zealand Agricultural Company.