DAMAGES FOR SLANDER

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1933, Page 7

DAMAGES FOR SLANDER

TAILWAGGERS’ CLUB CASE JURY AWARDS WINGROVE £l7O. WELLINGTON MAYOR’S EVIDENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, gave evidence to-day in the case in which Percival Rhys Wingrove, secretary of the Tailwaggers’ Club, is seeking £450 damages from Fred Crossley for alleged slander. Hislop is president of the Tailwaggers’ Club. The witness said he regretted to say that at and prior to November 1 Wingrove’s general reputation was extremely bad. From matters that came to his knowledge and Which had been concealed from him, steps were taken to see special care was taken to guard the cash. Prior to leaving Wellington on December 20 witness went into the whole position with Mr. Batten, vicepresident, and at that time Wingrove's reputation in his view was infinitely worse than he thought. Previously witness had told Mr. Batten that unless Wingrove went or there was some drastic® reorganisation of Wingrove’s duties he would resign from the club, and for the protection of the public make his resignation known. “I was thoroughly dissatisfied with the whole thing,” added Mr. Hislop, “and thought it high time some definite step was taken to protect the public.” Witness said he also brought up the question of the veterinary adviser and the letters he used after his name, and said it had to stop.

Replying to the Chief Justice, Hislop said a civil action was pending against Wingrove, and there would also be a prosecution. Witness said the club itself was a good thing; all it wanted was a dean-up. In cross-examination Hislop said that shortly after the formation of the club he had a talk with Wingrove, mentioning that he understood Wingrove had had trouble at Auckland. He said to Wingrove, “You are here now and we will give you a fair run.” Witness went on to say that he had information that Wingrove issued valueless cheques at Wellington to D. J. McGowan, Campbell Begg, and Nicol, a florist. He also heard from Mr. Muntz, British Trade Commissioner, of a dog having been sold

to him by Wingrove for £5, of which the owner received £2 10s. It was quite clearly understood by Muntz that £5 was the owner’s price and there was no question of, commission. He had also heard complaints about certain relationships by Wingrove with women. He had also been informed by a high authority that Wingrove’s wife was living in Auckland and would not live with him. Mr. Leicester: That is an absolute lie.. Hislop: Go and ask the probation officer. The last witness for the defence was Mrs. Esther Elizabeth Campbell, who said she was at Crossley’s house when Miss Aitken called last November. She overheard the' conversation. Witness maintained that it was Miss Aitken and not Crossley who had made the attack on Wingrove. Miss Aitken on leaving said good-bye to Crossley and said that if he wanted to know anything she would tell him. Called by Mr. Leicester, Batten, vicepresident of the Tailwaggers’ Club, said he had heard nothing to the effect that Wingrove had a bad reputation till th® conversation with Hislop. After a retirement of 52 minutes the jury returned with a verdict awarding £l7O damages to Wingrove.