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New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10536, 12 March 1920, Page 6

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MERTON-HUGHES LIBEL ACTION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, March 9. The case of Mortons and Co. v Mi W. M, Hughes (Prime Minister of Australia; camp before the Lord Chief Justice. Mr D. Hogg, K. 0., on behalf of Mortons, said that tl;o directors of the company thought that Mr Hughes’s speeches reflected upon their personal characters, but the court would learn from Mir Hughes’s counsel that while the defendant made various allegations against an international organisation he made none against any of the directors or officers of the company. In these circumstances the liquidator felt that no good object could be served by continuing the action. The parties had agreed, subject to tho court’s approval, to stop the aotion. Mr Hogg added that while no doubt some of tho Morton family were Gorman, on the other hand some were English, including tho late F. Merton and E. R'. Merton. Mr Bovan, on hohalf of Mr Hughes, said that his client had not made anv allegation reflecting upon the individual directors or officials. He simplv did what he considered his duty in sneaking about international organisations which ho regarded as a danger to the Emtiire. Tho Lord Chief Justice said tho action could bo staved on tho terms recorded in the briefs.

Tho firm of Merton and Co. took notion poninßt Mr •TTnrdies (Eedernl Prirno Min'=ter) for alleged libel anti slander, arising out of a snppcli the latter made concerning the Croiman influence over the metal market.