ANDREWS V. ISTT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16908, 6 December 1922, Page 6

ANDREWS V. ISTT.

INFORMATION LAID. ALLEGED DEFAMATORY STATEMENT. The information laid against Mr L. M. Isitt by Mr E. H. Andrews, Reform candidate for Christchurch North, was issued yesterday afternoon. Mr Isitt is being charged that he did between the issue of the writ under the Legislature Act. 1908, and the close of the poll, cause to be published printed matter containing an untrue statement defamatory of the said Ernest Herbert Andrews, a candidate, and one calculated to influence the vote of an elector, which matter was in the words following : “If he did, why was He so jubilant when at last induced by the promise of the P.P.A. to pay his expenses, Mr Andrews determined to stand ? ” The proceedings are being taken under Section 158 of the Legislature Act, 1908, which is as follows: — “ Every person is liable to fine not exceeding fifty pounds or to imprisonment for any period not exceeding three months who at any time between the issue of the writ and the close of the poll publishes or exposes, or causes to lie published or exposed, to public view.-any document or writing or printed matter containing any untrue statement defamatory to any candidate and calculated to influence the vote of an y elector.” No damages are being claimed and the prosecution will be a private one.