“LET THE DEAD PAST-”

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 46, 18 November 1925, Page 10

“LET THE DEAD PAST-”

DECISION IN SLANDER ACTION

Reserved judgment was given by Sir. Maunsell, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday in the case in which Mary, Hosking, wife of Walter Stanley Hosking, carpenter, of Karori, sued Edith Harrison (her niece), of Manawatu, for £l5, as damages for alleged slander, and £l5 for alleged libel. “The plaintiff sues the defendant for damages for defamation of character by reason of a letter written by defendant to plaintiff’s brother-in-law,” said the Magistrate in his decision. “Plaintiff and defendant are respectively niece and aunt. I have come to the decision that the defence must be sustained. I want, however, to say something of the defendant. She appears to be a scandalmonger whose chief stock-in-trade is making allegations of unchastity against her own relations, including ,sisters. Instead of endeavouring" to adopt the charitable and Christianlike course to conceal the family shame, her attitude 'would appear to be that she was so free of sin that she was entitled to throw the first stone at her relatives. ‘ Her volubility in the witness-box indicates that her control of her tongue is as weak as water. Whatever questionable measure of satisfaction she derives from this decision it is Io be hoped that she will let the dead past bury its dead, as on another occasion, if for no other reason, she may be less fortunate. By way of making mv disapproval of her conduct, I deprive her of costs. "Judgment is given /or defendant." At the hearing, Mr. A. B. Sicvwright appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. D. M. Qngley for defendant.