THE WYNDHAM LIBEL CASE.

Western Star, Issue 2219, 5 July 1898, Page 2

THE WYNDHAM LIBEL CASE.

—-— * (Per Press Association),

After a trial extending over six days in the Supreme Court, Invercargill, the action Rev J R Smellio v. E G Macpberson, proprietor of the Wyndham Farmc, claiming £IOCO damages for libel, he having published the grounds of complaint by ex-deacons of the congregation against Mr Sraellie which were read at a private meeting, the chairman of which suggested that no reason should be given, concluded on Saturday night. The jury, after a retirement of three and a-balf hours, returned a two-thirds verdict for plaintiff' for £250. Counsel for defendant mentioned thit he would probably move for a new trial. His Honor said he was sure the jury very much regretted that the matter should have been dragged into court. Disputes of that kind wore much better settled in the congregation in which they arose, but he need hardly point out that was an objection not open to defendant to make, because he had brought the matter before the public in a most public way by publishing in a newspaper circulating in the district the words complained of. After that had been done there was no course open to oluiotiff but to come before the court to vindicate his character.