WRIT FOR LIBEL

Southland Times, Issue 20011, 27 October 1926, Page 6

WRIT FOR LIBEL

POLICE COMMISSIONER SUED. ACTION BY EX-CONSTABLE. A writ has been issued by Mr F. D. Sargent, on behalf of William Victor Sanvig, salesman, formerly a police constable stationed at Christchurch, against William Bernard Mcllveney, Commissioner of Police for New Zealand, in which £lOOO is claimed for alleged defamation of character. Prior to June last Sanvig had been a member of the Police Force for about three years, during the latter portion of which he was stationed at Christchurch. On or about June 23 the Commissioner of Police falsely and maliciously, it is caused a defamatory statement to be pujjKed and circulated throughout New Zealand in the Police Gazette, in respect to Constable Sanvig, in effect that he had been discharged from the force, “upon exercise of the Commissioner’s opinion,” under Section 9 of the Police Force Act. Section nine is as follows: The Commissioner may at any time dismiss from the force any constable who has been guilty of any act of misconduct or insubordination, or who in the opinion of the Commissioner, is remiss or negligent in the execution of his duty or otherwise unfit to remain in the Force. By the publication of this statement Constable Sanvig held that he had been guilty of dishonourable conduct, that he had acted corruptly and was wholly unfit forpffice, and properly had been dismissed from the force and, therefore, left the service in disgrace. Constable Sanvig states that he was discharged from the force upon his own resignation in support of which he will produce his certificate of discharge. As a result of the action of the Commissioner of Police, Sanvig claims that he has been prejudiced greatly, injured in his credit and reputation, and brought into public scandal, hatred and contempt. He will; claim in the Supreme Court damages to the extent of £lOOO, and costs and disbursement of the action.