ALLEGATION OF LIBEL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 805, 7 September 1923, Page 5

ALLEGATION OF LIBEL.

CASE AT DARGAVILLE COURT.

(Per Press Assooiation.i DARGAVILLE, Sept. 6. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, the much-talked-ot case of alleged libel. Spanhake v. Hornblow, was heard. In this case plaintiff, who is (he county engineer, alleged that on. tho night of the last Mayoral election, and. on a ; subsequent dato, defend* ant. made a statement to the effect that Spanhake had been, neglecting his duty as county engineer and had beon away canvassing for Mr Fi J. Dargaville in tho Land Board election, for. which defendant was also a candidate. Plaintiff said that the statement was not true, and although he admitted that he had been canvassing for Mr Dargaville, he had done so during-the time ho was on holiday, which was due and'granted him by, the council. He claimed-damages as he considered tho statement did him harm in his profession. Defendant had been, asked; to apologise through one of tho local papers, but had refused,, hence tho, action. Evidence was given by several: witnesses on both sides and, after counsel for plaintiff and defendant had. addressed the Bench, the Magistrate reserved his decision.