Sir Julius Vogel's Libel Action.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 207, 3 September 1886, Page 3

Sir Julius Vogel's Libel Action.

Tho Steward Scandal.

(by telegraph — press association.)

Wei,' inoTon, this day. Sir Julius Vooel'h libel action against tho " Evening Press " began at 10 a.m, to day. The claim is for £1,500 damages for each ,of two articles ■ referring to . whut was,.known as the " Waimate Railway Scandal." Defendant's plea is that matters referred to in the articles set forth in the statemont of claim nrp matters of public interest and concern, and that the alleged libellous statements were fair comments on all tho matters therein referred to, and were published bona fide and for. the public benefit, without any sinister or malaoious motives, and without nogligonce and in honest belief of truth thereof. Mr Travors appeared for Sir Julius Vogol, and Mr Bell for tho defendants, Messrs Wakefield and Roydhouso. ..Chief Justice Prendergast was on the Bench. Mr Traver's opening addrsss was lengthy, and up ,to lunhc time ohly two witnesses had been Called.

T- K. Mac Donald gave ovidotico as to the impression caused on him by reading tho articles. ,

Sir Julius Vogel was then called, and answored a question or two from Mr Travers, after which ho was cross-examined till tho luncheon adjournment chiefly as to his action in tho House when the report of the Committee came up and his connection with tho New Zealand Agricultural Company.