AN UNFORTUNATE VERDICT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19957, 26 November 1926, Page 8

AN UNFORTUNATE VERDICT.

SYMPATHY WITH DEtFSffD- ■ ANT. PUBLIC MEETING HELU. {Peb United Psess Association.) BLENHEIM, November Sis. Great public interest has been aroused throughout the Rai Valley district as the outcome of the recent Supreme Court action in which A. M. Hebberd, an Opoun settler, secured a judgment of £360 and costs against a neighbour named Leonard Neal as the result _of a fire alleged to have been started by Neal. It spread to Hebherd’s place, destroying two houses and other property. . . _ A public meeting was held in Rai Valley at which uncomplimentary references were made to Hebberd’s action. It was felt throughout the Peiorous district that Neal had suffered an injustice and that an endeavour should be made to have the law amended to prevent a repetition of sued an action. It was stated at the meeting that Hebberd had been granted a verdict for more than he had lost. A resolution was carried deploring the fact that a settler of Rai Valley had taken action against a neighbour in a fire case, and that other neighbours had given evidence for plaintiff in such case. It was proposed that the settlers should subscribe to meet the amount of the judgment, but this was objected to on the grounds that it would be making payment to Hebberd. Several speakers urged Neal to go to gaol rather than pay. Neal confided to the meeting that he was not in a position to pay.