DARGAVILLS LIBEL CASE

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2742, 7 September 1923, Page 5

DARGAVILLS LIBEL CASE

COUNTY ENGXNBEK SUES RESIDENT. [Per Press Association.] DARGAVILLE, Last Night. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, the much-talked of libel case, Spanhake v. Hornblow, was heard. In this case, plaintiff, who is the county engineer, alleged that on the night of the last Mayoral election, and on a subsequent date, defendant made a statement to the effect that Spanhake had been neglecting his duty as county engineer and had been away canvassing for Mr P. J. Dargavillc on the Land Board election, for which defendant was also a candidate. Plaintiff said that the statement was not true, and although lie admitted that he had been canvassing for Mr Dargavillc, he had done so during the time he was on a holiday which was due and granted him by the Council. He claimed damages, as he considered the statement did him harm in his profession. Defendant had been asked to apologise through one of the local papers, but had refused, hence the 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.