RE WALTER GUTHRIE COMPANY. IN LIQUIDATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10731, 20 February 1897, Page 6

RE WALTER GUTHRIE COMPANY. IN LIQUIDATION.

TO THB EDITOR.

Sib,—l had made up my mind to Institute legal proceedings against Mr W. K. Cook for libel in connection with clauses 6 and 12 of his affidavit of the sfch February inst., bnt on takmg legal advice I found that, with regard to the statements made in the affidavit, I have no legal redress whatever, the statements made being absolutely privileged in Ime. I even went the length of ascertaining whether I had any remeay in law against the newspapers in which the contents of the affidavit were published, but here again I was met with the obstacle of privilege.

I beg through yoa to-have the opportunity of publicly announcing that the statemsnts contained in clauses 6 and 12 of Affidavit referred to, so far as interception of orders and false entries are concerned, are absolutely false, and in order that I may hare an opportunity of vindicating my character, I now ask Mi Cook, under circumstances which will not afford him the protection of legal privilege, to publicly repeat the same statements so that I may have a chance in a manly and honourable way of vindicating my character, fauing which, the Public can jldge the value of his « privileged " affidavits.-! am, ie, James Collets, ... tate Manager Pine Company. InTercargill, February IS.

— Slow steps, whether long or short, suggesfi agentle and reflective state of mind.