CLAIM FOR LIBEL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17919, 25 October 1932, Page 7

CLAIM FOR LIBEL

CASE AGAINST SMITH DAMNING N.Z. EVIDENCE SYDNEY, Oct, 24. Evidence taken on commission in New Zealand from Percy Thode, -hotelkeeper, Waipapakauri, was read in the “Wizard” Smith libel action to-day. Thode said he had observed Smith closely and could not understand how he came to gel the name of tho “Speed King.” lie appeared-to bo an arrant coward, could not Hold a tea cup, and was a frightful color. Other New Zealand witnesses, including Keith Stewart, a solicitor, of Kaitaia, gave evidence that there .were days when the Ninety-Mile Beach was in excellent condition. Stewart said "he had" had a brief conversation with -Smith one splendid day* and remarked: “I suppose you are going to make an attempt on the record to-day. The beach is good and the wind seems right.” Smith produced his handkerchief, appeared nervous, -and then answered: “I don’t know how the wind would be on the beach.” Witness added: “I don’t think Smith was a trier, as in the 10-mile run he only beat a woman’s record.” Constable Mark Thomell, who. helped Smith into his overalls, observed that Smith was agitated. He gave the impression that lie was going to do something against his will; indeed, his condition was such that witness, who was doing traffic control on the beach, contemplated debarring him from making the attempt on the record. James Taafe, garage proprietor, Kaitaia, who supplied the fire extinguisher for Smith’s car, declared ’that tlie beach was fit for racing on several oc-, csions between February and May. The case was adjourned.