THE GIRL PAT CASE

Evening Star, Issue 22617, 8 April 1937, Page 1

THE GIRL PAT CASE

LIBEL SUITS ARISE A settlement was announced to Lord Hewart in the King’s Bench Division recently of the libel actions brought against Odhams Press Ltd. and the 1 Daily Herald ’ (1929) -Ltd. by the Marstrand Fishing Co. Ltd.—who were the owners of the trawler Girl Pat—and Tom Moore, Jack Vincent, Arthur Ronald Turner, Herbert Victor Chain man, and Leslie Irwin Landrick. Sir Patrick Hastings, K.C., for the plaintiffs, said that the newspapers concerned in the actions acquired what they called “ the exclusive story ” of the Girl Pat’s adventurous voyage. It purported to be a statement made by the skipper while still under arrest abroad. “ One article,” said Sir Patrick, “ quoted Kipling’s ‘ Ballad of the Bolivar ’: “ ‘Overloaded, undermanned, meant to founder, we ‘Euchred God Almighty’s storm, bluffed the Eternal Sea.’ “ The allegation against the plaintiffs was appalling, because they still have a fleet of vessels.” The defendants had recognised the position and had dealt with it properly, added Sir Patrick. The case could not have been settled upon any terms except the payment of very substantial damages. That had been done, and tbs costs had been provided for. Mr Valentine Holmes, for the defendants, who publish and print the ‘ People ’ and the * Daily Herald,’ expressed deep regret that they circulated; the story. The records in the action* were then withdrawn.