Writ for Libel

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1075, 12 September 1930, Page 9

Writ for Libel

MR. W. M. HUGHES HITS BACK Australia’s Finances LEAN TIMES COMING FOR PRODUCERS MB- W. M. HUGHES, who was recently accused of damaging the reputation of Australia by a statement he had made, has replied to one critic—a newspaper—by issuing a writ claiming £IO,OOO for libel. Bankers in the Commonwealth predict lower prices for exports for some time ahead and lean times for the producers.

United I’.A . —By Telegraph-—Copyright Reed. 11.50 a.m. SYDNEY, Today. A writ claiming £IO,OOO damages for alleged libel lias been issued by Mr. W. M. Hughes against the “Sydney Morning Herald.” The claim arises out of an editorial article published in the “Herald” on September 8 which Mr. Hughes contends accused him of “encouraging rebellious spirits who advocate debt repudiation.” In reviewing Australia’s economic position and prospects, the directors of the Commonwealth Bank, in their half-yearly report, declare that at the present time there is no justifiable reason to believe that the world’s

prices for our exports are likely to improve in the near future, and they emphasise that the lean time ahead must be shared by all members of the community. Conditionally on the necessary action being taken to correct the economic position, they anticipate that Australia will overcome her difficulties. The Acting-Prime Minister, Mr. J. E Fenton, addressing the conference of the Australian Council of Trades Unions at Melbourne, maintained that the question of a general reduction in wages throughout Australia was one for decision by the Arbitration Court, for which machinery was now created by the Federal Parliament.