SLANDER CASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10416, 21 March 1912, Page 2

SLANDER CASE.

BROTHER'S EXTRAORDINARY CONDUCT. [Per Press Association.] MASTERTON, March 21. " There has never been a similar oase in New Zealand," said Sir John Findlay, counsel for the plaintiff in a slander case being heard here. "We have tho pitiful spectacle of a brother (defendant) entering the witness-box with a view to damaging his sister's character by accusing her of adultery. It is made" worso by the brother spreading his sister's alleged shame broadcast."'

The case was that of Emily Humphreys, of Clareville, versus G. W. Kempton, of Clareville, a claim of £GOO for alleged slander. In her evideneo tho plaintiff denied having committed adultery with Donald Finlayson, a traction-engine driver, who stayed in the same houso with her and her husband. The latter gave evidence that lie had never had occasion to complain of his wife's conduct. He did not believe the accusation of adultery. Donald Finlayson denied misconducting himself with tho plaintiff.

The defendant stated that he saw through a crack in a door tho plaintiff and Finlayson misconducting themselves. He put a nail in the %rack to make it larger, so that he could see over the room.

His Honor: Did you over hear of " Peeping Tom P"

Witness: Yes

His Honor: Apparently the day of retribution is over. You mado the hole larger to enable you to see your sister with ease. Witness: Yes. His Honor: What charming brotherly conduct 1