COURT AND CRITIC.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15892, 11 October 1913, Page 10

COURT AND CRITIC.

THE OBSERVER CARTOON CASE; (I'eu United Peess Association.i WELLINGTON, Octobor 10. The Full' Court was again occupied'to-day with the hearing of the Observer cartoon case. Counsel for the defence |Mr Skerrett), continuing his argument, contended that the comment was reasonable and Ijomi fide and in t'herpublic interest. Argument took place as to the admissibility of certain paragraphs in the affidavits for the defence,, counsel urging that it was a relevant and < instructive fact in comment ,on tiie administration of a judge ta bring forward evidence to show that' there was some publio dissatisfaction with sutili administration. _ • : After consideration the Chief Justice said he was of opinion that paragraphs 8 and 19 should bo struck out.. The former was entirely irrelevant, lb seemed an abuse of the court to quoto in an affidavit the coin-' ment- of riowspapcrs iiiade after, the alleged contempt of court took place. Paragraph 19 was not only irrcvelant,. but came within the definition of scandalous. It meant to bring a fresh charge, which h«xl no relation to tho charges concerned in the case before the court. There could be no excuse for it whatever. The rest of the benoli concurred in this view. Mr Skerrett, resuming his argument, protested against the suggestion that the eartoon implied .any immoral or motive. If.any such suggestion had. bjen suspected it' had been expressly withdrawn and apologised for. • Mr. Justice Denniston asked: Was it necessary to'depict the judge as a : leering satyr? 1 Mr Skerrett replied: No lewd motive was imputed. Unless the court isamc to tho conclusion that tho publication was not comment, but mere vilification or abuse, it was not a matter for the jurisdiction.of the court. - • • . • - Sir John : Findh»y followed and concluded his address on beiialt of the. defence. Mr Cotter had just begun hu address when the court adjourned till Monday,