The Wellington Libel Case.
♦ fPEII PftESS ABBOCIATION/| WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr H. D. Bell, M.H.R., asjainat the weekly journal Fair Play, for sayiag that he was exhilarated by something other than his victory on the night of the election, began to-day. The morning was occupied by four witneaneß, who were called to state what meaning they attached to the piragraph. All concurred tbat they understood it to rneau that Mr Bell was under the influence of liquor. No witnesses were called for the defence. Counsel having addressed the jury, his Honor summed up. After fifteen minutes' retirement the jury returned into court and asked what would be the smallest amount of damages that would carry costs. Hia Honor said he could not answer that question, and the jury thereupon returned a verdict for the plaintiff, with £1 damages. Sir E. Stout asked for costs. His Honor said the amount was sufficient to carry cO3ts, and as there had without doubt be*n a libel, he would give costs on the lowest scale.
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Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Issue 4868, 6 February 1894, Page 1
Word Count
179The Wellington Libel Case. Star (Christchurch), Issue 4868, 6 February 1894, Page 1
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