Libel Action.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9111, 4 July 1898, Page 4

Libel Action.

(Per Press Association.)

Ikvbkcaegill, July 2

After a trial extending over six days the action of Eev. J. B. Smellie v. E. Or. McPherson, proprietor of the Wyndham Farmer, claiming £1000 damages for libel, he having.published the grounds of complaint by ex-deacons of the congregation against Smellie, which were read at a private meeting, the Chairman of which had suggested that no publicity should be given, was concluded to-night. The jury after a retirement of three and half hours, returned a two-thirds verdict for Slaintiff for £250. Counsel for the efendant n? entioned that probably he would move for a new trial. His Honour said he was sure the jury very much regretted that the matter should have been dragged into Court. Disputes of that kind were much better settled by the congregation in which they arose, but he need hardly point out that it was an objection not open to defendant to make because he had brought the matter before the public in a most public way by publishing in the newspaper circulating in the district the words complained of. After that had been done there was no course open to plaintiff but to come before the Court to vindicate his character.