“WIZARD” SMITH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 7

“WIZARD” SMITH

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FURTHER EVIDENCE HEARD, SYDNEY, October 11. - (Received Oct. 11, at 11 p.m.) ' Further evidence was heard to-ddy in connection/ with'-Norman (“Wizard”) ■ Smith’s claim for £20,000 damages against Smith’s Weekly for alleged libel. 1 .*• V ■ • ■ F. H. Stewart, a member of the Federal Parliament, gave evidence. He said he was indirectly associated with -the New Zealand speed tests owing to being bondsman for the safety of the British Schneider aeroplane engine that • was used in Smith's' car. Witness lodged bonds Valued, at £2BOO with the Federal (Treasury. Ho also, backed Smith to the extent of £SOO. He looked upon the New Zealand attempts on the j speed record as a matter of national importance, and he had every confidence in Smith’s ability tq achieve that purpose. He saw no justification for the newspaper attack or the suggestion that there "was a yellow streak in. connection with Smith’s conduct in New Zealand. 1 Cross-examined, witness admitted that Smith’s reputation had in no way suffered by‘the attack of Smith’s Weekly. , Witness said that 1 after reading the •article about. Smith he formed the con- ’ • elusion that lie. had tinkered with the engine While in. New Zealand'and interfered with its efficiency. Witness was greatly surprised when, he read these things, having regard to Smith’s past honourable career.

Norman Smith, the plaintiff, was recalled and continued his evidence. He. isaid that when he reached Sydney a person, .whom he now recognised as •Ted” Paterson, and whom he had seen about four times at Smith’s Weekly office, met him on the wharf. He said, “ Good morning,” and gave him a small yellow flag, the significance of which he did not know at the time. He had since discovered that it was intended as a gross insult. Paterson made no other comment but simply walked away. . , The hearing of the case was adjourned. i