Alleged Slander

Progress, Volume XIII, Issue 11, 1 July 1918, Page 248

Alleged Slander

Auckland Architect’s Action The protracted slander action between Benjamin C. Chilwell, A.R.1.8.A., and Richard "Webster reached a further stage at the Supreme Court on July Bth, when Mr. Justice Cooper heard argument on a motion by Mr. Haddow, for the plaintiff, to have the statement of claim amended. The action was first tried last August, before a judge and jury of twelve, the plaintiff claiming £SOO in respect of each of three alleged slanders connected with the contract for the Grand Picture Theatre, the plaintiff being the architect and the defendant the clerk of works. The jury found for the defendant, in respect to two of the alleged statements, and awarded the plaintiff one farthing damages in respect to the third. -In February a new trial was ordered in respect of one cause of action, and Mr. Haddow moved in chambers last week to have the statement of claim amended to reduce the damages claimed from £SOO to £49, stating : that the object was to deprive the defendant of the right to a jury. At the hearing of the motion in banco his Honor commented on Mr. Haddow’s frankness, and after hearing argument reserved his decision on the question whether the amendment was permissible. He also advised the parties to come to a settlement. Mr. Ostler appeared for the defendant.