$200 DAMAGES

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160737, 25 August 1920, Page 2

S2OO DAMAGES

(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 24. At the Supreme Court to-day, decision was reached on a claim for £2OOO damages for alleged libel preferred by Robert Charles Dick, ranger and assistant road inspector for the Hutt County Council, against 14 defendants. Plaintiff alleged that, with the object of securing his dismissal from his employment, the defendants petitioned the Council to tho effect that during the recent general election, during hours upon which ho was supposed to be engaged iu tire Council's work, he teas actively employed in canvassing for “Red Fed” and disloyal organisation candidates for the Otaki and Hutt electorates. The defence was. that the petition was privileged; that it was sent in the public interest and without malice; further, that plaintiff had net lost his position in consequence thereof. The jury found that all the defendants were actuated by express malice towards plaintiff in publishing the words complained of. anti awarded £2OO damages. Defendants’ counsel was given extension of time wherein to move a non-suit point and any other motion necessary.