AUSTRALIAN NEWS
(PER S.S. ROTOMAHANA)
The " Vagabond" Libel Case
Melbourne,. September. A rood deal of amusement and interest has been caused by "Tlie Vagabonds libel action against the Wesleyan " Spectator." Mr Thomas had lectured in Mcl" bourne on " Convicts and Cannibals," and the Wesleyans, whoso missionaries had done good work'iu Fiji, were annoyed at his statements. The "Spectator "consequentlypublished the following:-'"The Vagabond, Mr Julian Thomas, has travelled much, and has made the acquaintance of many illustrious persons, bub his love of truth has nob increased wibh the increase of his knowledge and his acquaintance. In spite of the assertion that ' travellers ne'er do lie,' we venture the opinion that ' The Vagabond' is further from the truth than when he was a boy. Take as an illustration of mendacity the statement made by Mr Thomas in his lecture on 'Convicts and Cannibals,' thab King Thakombau became an exemplary Christian after the loss of his teeth and the ruin of his digestion. The man who could make such an assertion is utterly unworthy of credence and confidence." For this alleged libel " The Vagabond" claimed £2.000 damages. Evidence was given thab the atbendances ab his lectures were smaller by degrees and beautifully less, bub the jury could nob be persuaded that bhe paragraph was a contributing cause. They found a verdict for MiThomas, but with only a farthing damages, leaving the question of costs to bo argued.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 233, 4 October 1887, Page 2
Word Count
234AUSTRALIAN NEWS Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 233, 4 October 1887, Page 2
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