£3500 CLAIM

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 26

£3500 CLAIM

Alleged Libel By Newspaper

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 21. The hearing of a claim for £3500 general damages by Helen Emily MacKintosh, married, of Auckland, against Truth (New Zealand), Ltd., for alleged libel began before Mr Justice Turner and a jury in the Supreme Court at Auckland today. The plaintiff alleges that in an article jublished by “Truth” on April 5, 1960, entitled “Accommodation Racket” the paper made defamatory allegations which greatly injured her character, credit and reputation and as a result she had to close down her former business as an accommodation agent. She further alleges that as a result of the publication of the article she has'been brought into public scandal, odium, and contempt. In addition to the general damages, Mrs MacKintosh seeks costs and incidentals attached to the hearing and such further relief as in the circumstances may be just.

The plaintiff is represented by Mr F.' H. Haigh and Mr R. A. Adams-Smith. The defendant is represented by Mr J. H. Dunn, of Wellington, and Mr E. W. Henderson.

Mr Adams-Smith said his client asserted that the foundation of the article was an assertion that she had no authority to send two persons seeking accommodation to certain addresses. The article did not suggest lack of qualification or ability on the nart of Mrs MacKintosh, but said she was dishonest- and working an illegal scheme, taking two guineas and sending persons to spurious addresses without authority, counsel said.

Mrs MacKintosh asserted that the statements were false and that she had authority to act on behalf of the owners of the properties. The hearing will continue tomorrow.