The Bryce-Rusden Case.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 124, 2 September 1887, Page 2

The Bryce-Rusden Case.

Mr G. W. Rnsden has been well advised in accepting the compromise offered by Sir Henry James on behalf of Lieut. Bryce, of New Zeeland, in re the libel action of Bryce v. ltusden. It will be remembered that the jury awarded the plaintiff £5.000 damages. Thinking this amount excessive, and no doubt smarting under an adverse verdict Mr Rusdcn notified his attention to appeal. The case came before Justices Field and Manisty on June 14. The judge's notes of the trial having been read over, the defendant commenced a long critical examination of the evidence. in the course of which he displayed very marked skill, and was repeatedly complimented by the bench. On the conclusion of his argument, in answer to a question from the court. Sir Henry James stated that large discretion had been confided to him by his client, who only desired, not nionev. but a full recantation of the charges and complete indemnification for ail the

costs of the trials and the expenses in cident on his attendance in this country to prosecute them. The Court there upon urged upon Mr liusden that a most favourable opport unity now presented itself to him, that the offer was most generous, and that he had lieller consult some adviser as to the course which it was to his interest and credit as a gentleman, as a writer, and as a man, to take under tho circumstances. Mr ltusden, without hesitation, expressed his readiness to accept Sir Henry James' terms, which were as follow :—ln addition to the sum of £1,144 paid by defendant already for oosts, defendant agreed to pay a further sum of £2,582 in satisfaction of all claims, either for costs or damages, and unreservedly and cheerfully withdraw every imputation upon the plaintiff. The Court expressed satisfaction at the creditable conclusion of the litiga lion.—Home I’aper.