LIBEL VERDICT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 113, 16 May 1933, Page 9

LIBEL VERDICT.

CLAIM BY OIL COMPANIES. NOMINAL DAMAGES ACCEPTED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) PALMEKSTON N., Monday. Judgment was given by Mr. Justice Keed in tho Supremo Court in favour of the Atlantic Union Oil. Company, Ltd., and tho Vacuum Oil Proprietary, Ltd., each of whom proceeded against James Henry Bodlc, .service station owner, and Spoonefs, Irtd., printers, alleging three instances of libel concerning plaintiffs .in respect of the ieeue of pamphlets. The same plaintiffs ateo took ono action each against Bodle and Watson and Eyre, Ltd., printers, alleging libel.

Tho total amount claimed was £1500 on the six allegations in respect of Bodle and Spoonere, Ltd., and £500 in respect of Bodle and Watson and Eyre.

Counsel ■ for plaintiffe did not press for heavy penalties, however, and intimated that nominal damages would be acceptable to express the view, of the Court. .. . ■ Spooncre, Ltd., and Watson and Eyre, Ltd., admitted liability, and apologised. Bodle defended the action. After lengthy evidence had been hoard the judge gave a verdict for plaintiffs for £10 in respect of each allegation, the total being £60 in the case of Bodlc and Spooners, Ltd., and £10 in the case of Bodlo and' Watson and Eyre. As the cases were heard together only one set of costs was allowed, and Bodle was hold liable for it. In his judgment, his Honor eaid that not a tittlo of evidence had been called in support of a [.lea of justification of an allegation that plaintiffs "manipulated" invoices to "dodge" or fake taxation. There was not a scintilla of evidence of manipulation or faking ot income tax retume. It wae perfectly obvious that nothing of the kind occurred , .