Decision reserved

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33775, 22 February 1975, Page 3

Decision reserved

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, ! February 21. Mr Justice Cooke has * reserved decision on a j motion by Edward iEmanuei Isbey, member ' 1 of Parliament, relating ' to a claim against the N.Z.B.C. for $60,000 ' damages for alleged ( defamation. Mr Isbey filed his writ in the Supreme Court at Wel-j

lington last year in respect t of radio and television t broadcasts on July 11 and 12 concerning a waterfront dispute. At the time Mr Isbey was < Under-Secretary of Labour, t His motion is for the t Court to order the defendant , to provide further particulars in respect of the t defence of justification in s the statement of defences filed. ' It also seeks an order of, the Court striking out the i defences of fair comment; t

and qualified privilege raised by the N.Z.B.C. Mr J. F. Jeffries, who,; with Mr R. A. McGechan, is appearing for Mr Isbey, said three causes of action had been pleaded by the plaint-' iff. One was in respect of a television news broadcast and the others in respect of sound broadcasts. Orders were sought in respect of all three. Mr M. J. O’Brien, Q. C. with him Mr B. L. Darby, i .appeared for the N.Z.B.C.