LIBEL ACTION

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1935, Page 6

LIBEL ACTION

DEFENCE WITH DRA WN

COMMISSIONER’S EVIDENCE

(Per Press Association, Copyright)

WELLINGTON, May 30

111 the libel action the Commissioner of Police versus editor of ‘‘Farming First.,” the defence called Wohlmann himself, who explained that the police in gambling raids, endeavoured to meet the guilty mind- In the raid at I® Arolia, people were going in and out of the hall and it was difficult to determine who were guilty and who were not. ,It was considered that the ends of justice would be met and a public. warning given •by prosecuting two ■who were known to :be the principals. At the request of Mr Boys, the court adjourned to allow counsel for the defence to confer with Robinson-

Subsequently Mr Sexton .said that having now heard, the Commissioner s explanation for the course adopted in the Tc Aroha raid, it was not proposed to go any further. The defence accepted the Commissioner's explanation and withdrew any imputation against him. As far -as Ministers of the Crown were concerned, that had already been done in writing. Counsel commented on the fact that it had been left to the defence to obtain the Commission erf s explanation- If it hud been given earlier, he had no doubt the result would have jbeen the same as that arrived atThe Magistrate thanked Mr Sexton for his statement and said he thought the course adopted was a proper and commendable one. Mr Treadwell asked whether tins was a plea of guilty. Mr Sexton—l take it that is what it means. We cannot of course get over the fact that these words were edThe Magistrate adjourned the court till the afternoon, when lie said he would deal with the question of the penalty.