ACTION FOR LIBEL.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14187, 30 October 1911, Page 5

ACTION FOR LIBEL.

THE PRIME MINISTER TAKES PROCEEDINGS.

(srECTAI, TO "THE PRESB.") WELLINGTON, October 28,

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Saturday afternoon, Sir Joseph Ward stated that he intended to bring an aotioh for libel against a certain newspaper, which he did not name. The Premier, who was reviewing tho work of the session, said: Later on, I will find it necessary to deal with the disposition of loan moneys. Because I recognise that party fights are party lights, I want to. see that they are carried on fairly; •Mr Massey: Hear, hear., Sir Joseph Ward: lam bound to say that they have not been carried on fairly in regard to myself, for • I have had to give instructions to my own law. yers within the last twenty-four hours to proceed against a newspaper for a gross libel. Mr Massey: I have had to do that.

Sir Joseph Ward: I have in my possession half a dozen apologies from different newspapers for having libelled mc at different times, and now I have had to take proceedings for a gross libel, and I never withdraw in such cases. When I found, as I have found in this particular case, that one of those miserable, wretched, contemptible insinuations had been made and had got into print. I had to do as I' had. intended to do to a certain private individual, but I have received an explanatory statement which has been made by him. I intend to carry the election on as a hard fight, but fighting fairly.