"MAIL" LIBEL CASE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 421, 3 September 1877, Page 2

"MAIL" LIBEL CASE.

(by telegraph.) (from our own correspondent.) The hearing of tlve charge of libel against George Jones in the Resident Magistrate's Court has been adjourned until Thursday next. There is a strong feeling against the action of the Government in making the trial a political one and using the public money for the purposes of prosecution, as such a proceeding unfairly handicaps a man of ordinary means, when the Government machinery, influence, and capital are brought against him. The trial will be highly interesting, as it will x'ake up a most questionable transaction in which the Government and a number of land specal itors are concerned. It is rumoured that certain parties would rather that the matter had not gone so far. It is generally viewed as a mistake, as not only will ic help to bring to light and quash negotiations for land purchases that have been going on for years, and are not yet completed, but will create a feeling of dislike for the Government, and sympathy for the accused. Mr. Rees has been x-etained for the defence. It is stated that the case is likely to be heard in Dunedin. In order to show public sympathy with Mr. Jones, a subscription-list has been started here.

(From the Press Agency.) Wellington, September 3,

Mr. George Jones was brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning on a charge of having published a libel on the Hon. Frederick Whitaker. He was rerresented by Messrs. Iltea and Hislop. Mr. Izard, who appeared for the prosecution, asked for an adjournment to Thursday next, as lie was not ready to proceed. The defendant's counsel not objecting, the case was adjourned accordingly.