DAMAGES AWARDED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20537, 12 February 1935, Page 1

DAMAGES AWARDED.

Duchess Wins Libel Suit Over Roses. LONDON, February 4. The American periodical, ” Hooey,” printed in November, 1933, a picture of intertwined rose trees, with the blooms apparently about to kiss, and also the letterpress: “ Guess we shouldn’t have planted the Duchess of Marlborough and Rev F. Page Roberts in the same bed.” A sequel a few days ago was an action before the Chief Justice (Lord Justice Hewart) and a special jury, in which Gladys Marie, Duchess of Marlborough, widow of the late Duke, claimed damages from London news agencies for having circulated an alleged libel. Defendants pleaded the innocent dissemination of the publication and did not agree that the words and illustration were libellous. The Duchess, in evidence, said that as a result of the appearance of the illustration, people wondered what she had done. Worrying talk continued for months and her name must be cleared. Lord Justice Hewart said he viewed the case most serious]}-. After consultations between counsel, clients and the Lord Chief Justice, the action was settled yesterday. Each defendant will offer an unqualified apology in the broadest terms possible, and contribute a certain sum towards costs and damages. Two famous roses have been named after the Duchess and Rev F. Page Roberts. Gladys Marie, Duchess of Marlborough, was married in 1921. She came from Boston (U.S.A.). Her husband died in June, 1934.