CLAIM FOR LIBEL.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18944, 15 May 1933, Page 8

CLAIM FOR LIBEL.

OIL COMPANIES SUCCESSFUL.

THEIR REPUTATION CLEARED.

TWO FIRMS TO PAY DAMAGES.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., Monday.

In the Supreme 'Court, Mr Justice Reed gave judgement in favour of the Atlantic Union Oil Company, Limited, and the Vacuum Oil Proprietary, Limited, each of whom proceedr*’ against James . Henry Bodle, service station owner, and Spooner’s, Limited, printers, alleging three- instances of libel concerning plaintiffs in respect of the Issue of pamphlets. The same plaintiffs also took one action each against James Bodle and Watson and Eyre, Limited, printers, alleging libel. The total claimed was f 1500 on the six allegations in respect of James Bodle and Spooner’s, Limited, and £SOO in respect of James Bodle and Watson and Eyre.

Counsel for plaintiffs did not press for heavy penalties, however. He intimated that nominal damages xvould be acceptable. Spooners, Ltd., and Watson and Eyre admitted liability, and apologised. James Bodle defended the action. After lengthy evidence the Judge gave a verdict for the plaintiffs for £lO in •respect of each allegation, the total being £6O in the case of James Bodle and Spooners, Ltd., and £2O in the case of James Bodle and Watson and Eyre. As the cases were heard together only one set of costs was allowed, and James Bodle was held liable for these.

In his judgment His Honour said 'that not a tittle of evidence had been called in support of the allegation that plaintiffs “ manipulated ” invoices to “dodge” or “fake” taxation, and there was not a bit of evidence of manipulation of or faking income tax returns. It was perfectly obvious that nothing of the kind had occurred.