HUTT BY-ELECTION

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 9, 6 March 1930, Page 4

HUTT BY-ELECTION

ECHO OF POLITICAL STORM ME NASH AND THE HUTT NEWS. WELLINGTON, March 5. An echo of the Hutt by-election was heard in the Lower Hutt Magistrate’s Court this morning when, after two adjournments, the case of Walter Nash versus Walter H. Smith, was settled. The charge against defendant, who is publisher of the Hutt Nows, was that between the issue of the writ in the Hutt by-election and the close of the poll, ho published an untrue statement defamatory to Walter Nash, and calculated to influence the votes of the electors.

“Since these proceedings were is* sued,’’ said Mr W. p filings, for plaintiff, “defendant has expressed to Nash his regret at having published the statement which misrepresents Nash’s political views to the extent complained of, and although my client feels keenly that to accuse him of a desire to establish a Soviet-like form of Government in New Zealand is untrue and unfair, he has no wish to be vindictive, and is prepared to accept defendant’s apology. 1 therefore ask leave to withdraw the information. The question of costs has been arranged between the parties. ’ ’ To this Mr C. R. Barrett, who appeared for defendant, assented. His client had no wish to identify Nash with the present aims and objects of the Soviet in any way. “That’s much the better way of settling a ease like this. I congratulate you gentlemen,” said the Magistrate, Mr W. H. Woodward.