DUNEDIN ITEMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12532, 20 June 1901, Page 3

DUNEDIN ITEMS.

[From Our Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, June 19. Commenting on th© libel case, the " Star " says ; —" It is much to be regretted that the case, which resulted in our favour, was ever brought into Court. We are, of course, pleased at our exoneration by the jury, indeed, it would have been a serious blow at the freedom of the Press had the verdict been otherwise. We take the opportunity of referring to the remarks of Mr Sim, counsei for the plaintiff, in hiis address as to our hawing adopted the 'unusual course' of havine given up, the name of a correspondent whose letter in our column* was complained of as libellous by the tramway manager, whereas, in this colonyy the law of libel is in such an unsatisfactory position, from waint of definiteness and otherwise, that it is- not reasonable or politic that, the ordinary rule in most countries should be strictly observed not to give up, under any circumstances, the name of the writer of matter which, rightly or wrongly, may be deemed defamatory. Correspondents who commit themselves to assertions that are defamatory or actionable otherwise, do so at their own risk, and whilst we never knowingly allow such communications to appear in our columns, it iB manifestly impossible, in the urgency of business, to subject every letter to the microscopic examination which is necessary in order to ensure absolute freedom from offence. It is just as well that the public, Mr Sim included, should clearly understand our position. We publish all letters that are temperately written, and,'so far as our powers of observation; go, free from libellous matter, but if a correspondent* gets past us, and unjustly attacks an. individual, then we cast on him the responsibility 'of defending his position." Captain Sunstrum has completed his labours as canvasser for the Decoration Committee. He collected' £322, of whioh the sum of £lls was specially given for the decoration of Princes Street between, High and Stafford. Streets.