THE PAHIATUA POISONING CASE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9546, 30 September 1892, Page 2

THE PAHIATUA POISONING CASE.

THE ACTION FOR SLANDER. (Pbk United Press Association.) Mastehton, September 29. The evidence in the slander case, Clarke v. Naylor, went to show that Naylor had mentioned Clarke's name in connection with the poisoning case on more than one occasion, but witnesses contradicated themselves as to the actual words used. Plaintiff, under crossexamination, stated that he did not respond to the invitation of the Woodville Examiner to show his whereabouts on the night of the poisoning because he thought the articles were inspired by Naylor. He had not taken proceedings before on the advice of his solicitor because he wished the police to solve the mystery. He admitted having been on unfriendly terms with deceased Dickson. and having written a strong letter to him. Mr Tosswill, for defence, applied for a nonsuit on the ground that the actual words set out in the statement of claim had not been proved. His Honor Judge Robinson decided not to grant a nonsuit. Evidence for the defence was therefore taken and concluded at 4.30. Naylor denied the allegations of plaintiff as to the use of slanderous words altogether. He was subjected to a severe crossexamination. Nothing new bearing on the Pahiatua poisoning case has transpired. The court was densely crowded all through the case, sensational disclosures being expected. At 6 o'clock the jury retired, in 20 minutes returning with a verdict for plaintiff for L 5 and costs (L2O 14s).