LIBEL ACTIONS

Otago Witness, Issue 2870, 17 March 1909, Page 26

LIBEL ACTIONS

♦ LONDON, March 11. Mr Justice Grantham, in the King's Bench Division, r.as commenced hearing a libel action brought by Mr Jenkins, ex-Agent-jwjner.il for South Australia, against tlie Australian Trading Wo-rld. for circulating in January, 1908, a groundless rumour that he was to be replaced, ar.d alleging that his Agent-generalship had not been successful and had caused dissatisfaction in South Australia, owing to In? lacking energy and enthusiasm. Mi Hainey, of West Australia, Mr Jenkin.--' •, counsel, attributed the libel to Mr Jenkins's refusal to give the paper advertisements. The editor admitted writing to Mr Jenkins several requests for advertisements, and that lie had hinted that naturally he supported those who supported the paper. M^ Justice Grantham summed up heavily against the paper, but as Mr Jenkins had not asked for heavy damages he was awaided £25, with costs (£500). March 12. The ne rspaper People has apologised and agreed to pay £1000 damages for libelling Mr Lloyd -George (Chancellor of the Exchequer), its allegation being that he had paid £20,000 to prevent his being sued in a divorce suit. The BystaJider also apologised, and pa.id £300 to charity in connection with a similar libel. March 13. Compel for the newspaper People tendered an unqualified apology and accepted Mr Lloyd-George's terms of the verdict. Mr Lloyd-Geoi'ge in the witness box said there was not the slightest foundation for any of the statements made by the People. The judge said he considered that Mr Lloyd -George had acted with extreme i moderation.