LIBEL SUIT

Evening Star, Issue 21231, 12 October 1932, Page 7

LIBEL SUIT

“ WIZARD ” SMITH'S CLAIM Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, October 11. Further evidence was heard to-day in connection with Norman (“Wizard”) Smith’s claim for £20,000 damages against ‘ Smith’s Weekly ’ for alleged libel. F. H. Stewart, a member of the Federal Parliament, gave evidence. He said that he was indirectly associated with the New Zealand speed tests owing to being bondsman for the safety of the British Schneider aeroplane engine that was used in Smith’s car. Witness lodged bonds valued at £2,800 with the Federal Treasury. He also backed Smith to the extent of £SOO. He looked upon the New Zealand attempts on the speed record as a matter of national importance, and he had every confidence in Smith’s ability to achieve that purpose. He saw no justification for the newspaper attack or the suggestion that there was a “yellow streak” in connection with Smith’s conduct in New Zealand,

Cross-examined, witness admitted that Smith’s reputation had in no way suffered by the attack of ‘ Smith’s Weekly.’ Witness said that after reading the article about Smith he formed the conclusion that he had tinkered with the engine while in New Zealand and interfered with its efficiency. Witness was greatly surprised when he read these things, having regard to Smith’s past honourable career. Norman Smith, the plaintiff, was recalled, and continued his evidence. He said that when he reached Sydney a person, whom he now recognised as “ Ted ” Paterson, and whom he bad seen about four times at the ‘ Smith’s Weekly ’ office, met him on the wharf. He said, “Good morning,” and gave him a small yellow flag, the significance of which he did not know at the time. He had since discovered that it was intended as a gross insult. Paterson made no other comment, but simply walked away. The hearing of the case was adjourned.