THE EDITOR OF THE AGE IN HOT WATER.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 615, 1 February 1879, Page 2

THE EDITOR OF THE AGE IN HOT WATER.

ONLY' THREE LIBEL ACTIONS PENDING.

THE EDITOR OFFERS TO FIGHT ONE OF THEM OUT.

Dunedin, January 29. The Age is over head and ears in libel action. Three actions have been threatened during the present week. The first was at the instance of a firm of merchants, named Neill and Boyd, who were annoyed at a report. The Becond rose out of the description of the scene on the railway platform, when the Kelly and Leon Troupe tore themselves away from the embraces of a number of ladies. A letter appeared in the the Age from the husband of one of the ladies, supposed to be alluded to, threatening if an apology was not immediately published, an action for libel would be taken against the company. The editor added a footnote as follows: — "We presume our correspondent refers to the Kelly and Leon Company. We certainly think he has just cause of action against them, and we shall watch the proceediugs with the utmost interest. " In the same issue, an article appeared, commenting on the conduct of Mr Denniston, attorney for Neill and Boyd, who threatened the first action for libel. In this article, Denniston was recommended to stick to his happy hunting ground in the Resident Magistrate's Court, and informed that in the Supreme Court impudence was not mistaken for civility. This afternoon a letter was received at the Age office from Haggit Brothers, solicitors requesting the name of the company's solicitor to be furnished, so that a writ might be served on behalf of Deniston. to this the following reply has been forwarded : — " Messrs Haggit Brother and Brent. Gentlemen, — I have to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favor, intimating Mr J. E. Deniston's kindly intentions towards the Age Company and requesting us to name our solicitor. Not being in the position to indulge in the luxury of a standing counsel, I shall be under the necessity of accepting personal service of the promisd writ. I trust you will express sincere regret to your client for dispensing with the usual formalities. Although we do not keep a staff of fighting men in our office, if you will kindly furnish us with Mr Deniston's fighting weight we will endeavour to accommodate him in a congenial way. As your client is understood to have some slight experience in this method of settling difficulties, this suggestion may possibly meet his views. Joking apart, the article complained of was written in good faith, and if necessary we shall not object to taking the verdict of any impartial jury in New Zealand as to its . candour and fairness on behalf of the Age Co-operative Company, — A. W. Hogg, Managing Director."