SLANDER ACTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 463, 4 July 1902, Page 2

SLANDER ACTION.

IN TER E STIN G TECH NIC A L POINTS.

POWER OF THE GOVERNOR

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night. Argument in tho ease of Jellicoe v. Haselden was continued to day before tho full bench of the Supreme Court. Counsol for defendant abandoned tho second issue as to whether special damage must be alleged, it appearing that a question of fact would bo involved which must necessarily go to trial if tho first issue were decided against tho defendant, tho question, namely, whether tho words woro iu fact spoken of plaintiff in his professional capacity. Tho statement of claim alleges that they were.

Upon tho first issue, as to tho existence of absolute privilege on the part of a member of a Royal Commission, tho whole question ot' tho authority of tho Governor to issue Royal Commissions in exercise of tho Royal prerogative is beiir - discussed ; also the question whether t’ effect of tho powers given to such Commissions by tho Commissioners’ Bowers Acts to 1867 and 1878, enabling them to compel the attendance of witnesses to

talto evidence on oath and to order payment of costs, is to constitute such commissions courts or tribunals within tl e meaning of tho rulo under whioh members of tho court or tribunal and counsel and witnesses aro absolutely privileged. Argument had not concluded when the Court rose this afternoon.