ALLEGED SLANDER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 14 December 1925, Page 9

ALLEGED SLANDER.

A FOXTON CASE. (BY- TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) PADMERSTON N., Dec 14. The Supreme Court is hearing an action in which John Golder, a jeweller of Foxton, is claiming from David Brooks, a platelayer, Foxton, £SOO damages for alleged slander. The statement of claim set out that the plaintiff for some time past had been conductor and bandmaster of the Foxton Silver Band, of which, the defendant was a member. On or about August 29, 1925, defendant was alleged to have falsely and maliciously spoken and published of and concerning the plaintiff to Jack Madden, also a member of the hand, the following words: “I have enough papers in my pocket to put Johnny Golder in gaol.”. Defendant thereby meant that plaintiff had been guilty of a crime punishable by imprisonment; that the defendant had in his possession sufficient evidence. to prove the commission of such a crime. Further, •on about September 10, at the bandroorn. the. defendant allegedly spoke and published to James Charles Aitcheson and to. Joseph Hoffman, both members of the band, practically the same words already quoted, such words having the meaning already alleged. The statement of defence denied that defendant ever spoke to the persons named or to others the words complained of or similar words. It also denied that the words set out had the meaning alleged cr any defamatory meaning. The case is proceeding. After hearing evidence, his Honor said that the case was not one for heavy damages, and gave judgment for £l2 10s on each of the two caiises of action. He added that the case should have been heard in the Magistrate’s Court, and the costs would be on the scale in that institution.