SLANDER ALLEGED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27345, 22 March 1950, Page 3

SLANDER ALLEGED

Fanner’s Wife Claims Damages Evidence was heard by Mr J. G. Warrington, S.M., in the Oamaru Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon in a case in which £IOO was claimed for alleged slander. The plaintiff was Flora Leila Esther McGregor, wife of William Ernest McGregor, of Kokoamo, a farmer, and the defendant was Thomas Manley, of Kokoamo, a farmer. Mr J. E. Farrell appeared for the plaintiff and Mr E. M. Hay, of Christchurch, for the defendant. The statement of claim alleged that the defendant on January 2 maliciously spoke and published to Hugh Chalmers Paton, of Kokoamo, and Maxwell Taylor Fridd, of Duntroon, the following words: ‘‘Do you know the hat Billy (meaning McGregor) wore at Joan’s wedding? I had bought a new grey hat for £2 5s and that old (meaning the plaintiff) came and took it and replaced it with an old blue one ” and ” when we got inside we found that George’s wallet with his petrol coupons and licence in it had been taken and she (meaning the plaintiff) took George’s cardigan and singlet and we turned the drawer round and she came back and got George's sox.” In consequence, the statement of claim alleged, the plaintiff had been injured in her character, credit, and reputation and had suffered pain and anguish of mind. Mr Farrell said the plaintiff was not seeking profit or heavy damages, but vindication of her character and the stopping of vicious statements which had been circulated about her.

After the evidence of H. C. Paton had been, heard, ■ the case was adjourned till this morning.