LIBEL ACTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 1600, 31 May 1924, Page 10

LIBEL ACTION.

AN INDIGNANT ACTRESS. An action for libel by Miss Christina Purvcs Beattie, an actress, professionally known as Miss Zoe Gordon, who also carries on a millinery business in South Molton Street, Mayfair, against the Sphere and Tatler, Ltd., was settled in London recently. For Miss Beattie, Sir Edward Mar-shall-Hall, K.C., said the Tatler published a photograph depicting three members of the Midnight Follies cabaret company, and describing one of them (who was not Miss Beattie) as "Miss Zoe Gordon." Although '/cry attractive, the girls had very Jittls clothing on.

Miss Beattie had since received letters from friends and relatives expressing their consternation at what they thought was her decision to appear in such costumes. Her inclination and desire was to appear on the legitimate stage rather than in costume plays. Lord Ilcwart: Are costume plays things in which people don't wear costumes? (Laughter.) Sir Edward said the Sphere and Taller, Ltd., had expressed their regret at the annoyance to which Miss Beattie had been put and had fully apologised. He desired to state that Miss Beattie would never allow herself to appear publicly in such scanty clothing, and had never been connect, ed with the Midnight Follies. Mr Macaskie, for the Sphere and Tatler, Ltd., said he desired to repeat the apology. Lord Hewart, in allowing the record to be wilhdrawo, said there was a Bill before Parliament which would make it a criminal, offence, to publish photographs of persons in certain circumstances. "I wonder," he added, "whether it would be possible to make it a criminal offence to publish photographs of people at all."