NOVEL LIBEL CLAIM.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 74, 27 March 1923, Page 5

NOVEL LIBEL CLAIM.

TEN-YEAR-OLD RECORDS. EFFECT ON SINGER'S FAME. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON", March 26. A novel libel action has been brought by Miss Phyllis Lett against rathe Vrercs in connection with the issue of old gramophone records made in 1910, which she claims do not represent her voice as it is to-day. Miss Lett's counsel said the records were made ten years ago, aud had lost much in quality. He mentioned that many singers wore engaged for provincial tours cm tlie strength of their gramophone records, and Miss Lett's provincial engagements, ■which were increasing by leaps and bounds, dropped as a result of the defective records. Unpleasant newspaper criticism of tbe records led to the present action. Tbe imputation was that she was a singer of no importance and no artistic ability. Mr. Justice Lush remarked that it was difficult to see how to get libel out of that. It required a little consideration. Counsel replied that what plaintiff complained of was that the records should have been issued marked as new. Mr. Landon Ronald gave evidence that the records were awful, and be thought they would be extremely bad for Miss Lett's reputation. Miss Lett gave evidence that when she heard a new Record she was horrified. Counsel for the defence said that Pathe Freres offered to put a date on future records of Miss Lett, but tlie damage had been done, hundreds of records being issued. Sir Edward Elgar said that the record was dreadful, and did not represent the voice at all decently. ' One long sustained note he could not recognise as representing any human voice. Miss Carrie Tubb gave evidence that ..the record was very bad and out of tune, and said that there were two distinct voices on the record. Hearing -was adjourned till the next term, and the iudee atrreed to hear the records.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)