ALLEGED LIBEL

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20734, 18 February 1939, Page 9

ALLEGED LIBEL

MEBBAQE IN NEWSPAPER LABOUR LEADER S INTENTION (By Telegraph.—Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Friday An action for libel against certain newspapers is being taken by Mr F. I\ Walsh, national president" of the Federated Seamen’s Union of New Zealand. Mr Walsh stated to-day that the words he considered libellous appeared in a Press Association message from Christchurch about the boycott at two hotels there of Mr Frank Goldberg, of Sydney, governing director of the Goldberg Advertising Agency. He declined to say which words in the message he considered libellous. “1 was very surprised when I read in the Southland Times of February 16 the report about myself and the incident of Mr G.ddbeig being asked to vacate the United service Hotel by the licensee, Mr K. Boulton,” said Mr Walsh in an interview to-day. I have already consulted my solicitor and he has informed me that tiie papers which published tlie statement libelled me and I have directed Mm to take action with the object of getting redress and clearing my name." Referring to a leading article on the Goldberg case which was printed in the Southland Times to-day Mr Walsh said: **l think it is quite unfair to write a leading article condemning representatives of tlie trades union movement on an ex parte statement which my solicitor states is definitely libellous in so far as it is unfounded and untrue.”