THE LAW OF LIBEL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7533, 8 August 1903, Page 2

THE LAW OF LIBEL.

Slender Prospect of Amendment.

Parliament (writes tho correspondent of a contemporary) is evidently not in j any mood to amend the libel law this session. The action of a few newspapers in unduly criticising some members has somewhat alienated sympathy from the < newspaper press. Mr Baumo asked the Government whether it was their intention to bring in a measure at an early date giving to the press of this Colony tho samo immunity from prosecution as is enjoyed by the press of England; and if not, why not ? While Mr Baume was speaking, Mr Seddon was heard to remark to a messenger or secretary: " Bring me that copy of Syduey Ti uth." And after some little hunting, the journal was found reposing in the desk of the Hon. C. H. Mills, who was not at that moment in the House. Having armed himself with the paper referred to, Mr Seddon said the question was one of great moment. If he refrained from takiog action, it was beoause there were papers and papers in this country as in other countries. (Hear, hear, from Messrs Taylor and Laurenson.) He (Mr Seddon) knew there was no change in the opinion of members of the Houso in respect to this matter. The majority considered that the press had quite enough freedom and liberty already. (An hon. member: Too much.) Under the circumstanoes there would be no use bringing down a Bill this session, as it would be simply a waste of time to deal with it. Mr Seddon then wont on to quote from Sydney Truth a paragraph about a paper pubfished in the Sounds, whioh it said was owned by " several slobbering, soursmelling, paste-pot spreading printers." (Laughter.) He quoted another paragraph regarding a Timaru paper written in somewhat similar language, and added that he would not quote any more for fear the Speaker might pull him up. He was, however, happy to say that in this colony we had not much of that kind of journalism. At the same time there. were some newspapers in the colony in connection with whioh, even with the present freedom, a public man was scaicely safe. (Hear I hear 1 from Mr O'Meara.)