LIBEL ACTION SETTLED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7821, 14 June 1909, Page 3

LIBEL ACTION SETTLED.

' Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, June 14. A case which was set down for hearing by Mr Justice Williams and a jury this .morning was one in which Robert Hewitson, farmer, Lovell's Flat, claimed £200 damages from James Christie, publisher of the Bruce Herald, for alleged libel. There was at the time a County Council election on, and Jasper ■Clark was one of the candidates. Concerning his candidature a letter appeared- in the Bruce Herald signed "Crichton Siding Electors," in which sentences occurred which, it was alleged, seriously reflected on the character of Hewitson, who was supporting Clark's candidature. When the case was called on to-day, it was stated that a settlement had been made, the defendant agreeing to pay £50 and costs, and print an apology in the paper. Mr Solomon, K.C., who appeared for the defendant, said that the letter had appeared without the latter's knowledge, and when he was approached he offered to apologise, and make remuneration to to settle the affair, but tho amount was not considered sufficient. He felt satisfied that tho allegations of misconduct were without foundation, and the defendant had not sought, m any way, to defend his action.