SWINBURNE-AGE LIBEL CASE.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 965, 17 March 1910, Page 5

SWINBURNE-AGE LIBEL CASE.

AN APPEAL REFUSED, United Press Association—By Electrii Telegraph—Copyright. Melbourne, Yesterday. The Federal High Court refused an application by the pioprietois of the Age for a new trial in the Swin-burne-Age libel case. Mr Swinburne, ex-Minister for Water Supply and Agriculture, claimed £SOO damages for alleged libel, contained in an article dealing with the administration of his department. He was awarded £3250, with costs. Defendants appealed to the Vio. torian Fnll Court, for a new trial ; which was refused, aud'then an appeal was made to the High Court, the grounds being, inter alia 1. That a fair trial was not had between the parties. 2. That appelant'? counsel, having disclosed certain information to respondent, for the purpose of enabling respondent to deoiiie whether an application should or should not be made to have the jury dis. charged, advantage was taken by the respondent to force appelauts iuto so prejudicial a position before the jury that a fair trial could nut be had

8. That one of the jurymen had rendered himself incompetent to sit.

4 That the jury should have been discharged. 5. That the verdict was bad, inasmuch as the judge had discharged the jury and adjourned the court hefore the verdict was given. G. IJiar the damages wore excessive. I That the evidence was improperly admitted.