A SLANDER CASE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16922, 30 July 1915, Page 3

A SLANDER CASE.

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. j LAND DEALER AWARDED £472. The hearing was continued at the Supreme Court yesterday, before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston and a 4 wry o/f eleven, of the case in which, Seorge Frederick Robinson claimed from James Corbett the sum of £1125 for alleged slander of title and person. Mr 0. T. J. Alpers, with him Mr Murphy, appeared for the plaintiff; and Mr H. J. Beswick, with him Mr Gresson, appeared for the defendant. Mr Alpers applied for leave to call two witnesses to rebut a statement made by the defendant in his evidence. Mr Beswick opposed the application. After hearing counsel ins Honor granted leave for Mr Alpers to call the witnesses as ordinary witnesses as if they had been called earlier in the .case. Charles Baldwin, salesman, said that for ten years he had been a resident of Hornby. lie remembered the auction sale, and before it commenced he saw Corbett in Cashel Street in front of Tafctersall's. speaking to a number of men. The discussion was in connection with the cutting up of the farm, Corbett saying "He can't do it. I've got a say in the matter." "Witness n gain saw Corbett after the auction npeaking to a crowd outside Craddock, M'Cmstie Co.'s rooms, making a number of remarks about the property.

Robert William Rugg butcher, said that Corbett had told him that it was impossible to get a title for a certain section he (witness) wanted, because Robinson would be unable to meet Ins liability in September. Witness wa* decidedly anxious to buy the section at the time, rrnd he bad the money ready. Counsel delivered their addresses, after which his Honor summed up. Tho following issues were submitted to tho jury : 1. Were the words set out in the statement of claim spoken by the defendant as alleged? 2. Were the words true? 8. Were the words spoken maliciously? 4." Did the words cause actual damage to the plaintiff? o. If yes, to what amount (a) as to the first cause of action,, (b) as to the second cause of action, (c) as to the third cause of action, (d) as to the fourth cause of action, (e) as to the fifth cause of action? 6. Was tho plaintiff at the time tho statements were made carrying on the business of a land dealer? 7. Wero the words spoken of him in the way of his business? 8. Were the words defamatory? 9. What damages (if any) is tho plaintiff entitled to as to tho last four causes of action? The jury retired at. 1.30 p.m. and returned at 4.30 p.m. Tho foreman (Mr A. Borrows) stated that the jury had como to a unanimous verdict, awarding tho plaintiff the sum of £472 10s damages. Judgment was entered accordingly. His Honor reserved his decision refarding thei scale of costs to be paid y defendant,