LAW OF LIBEL.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 837, 11 March 1903, Page 2

LAW OF LIBEL.

THE PREMIER’S REPLY.

(Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, last night. A deputation from newspaper proprietors waited on the Premier to urge an amendment of the present libel law in the direction of giving the public press greater privileg.es. Mr tteddun said mat be would Jay the matter before Cabinet. Personally, he did not think it would be right to give newspapers the powers for. which the deputation asked, to give 'bona-fide reports of public meetings and local bodies. Some papers; would abuse such privileges, lie did not think there was the slightest hope of Parliament conceding such powers, although there was a good deal in the contention of the deputation that the colony should he placed in similar position to England as regarded the libel law. He would strongly advise newspaper proprietors to place ail amending Bill in the hands of a private member, as he thought there was no chance of the Government taking up such a Bill next sessioon. If it was shown that the new Parliament approved of the amendment, the Government would feel it its duty to take the matter up. In the meantime, he would lay tne matter before the Cabinet, and forward the result to the deputation. In the afternoon the Premier was presented with an address signed by 20,000 persons. It, had been intended to present the address in April of last year, previous to his departure for England, but it could not be illuminated in time. It expresses appreciation and approval of the prompt and practical proof he gave of the sympathy of colonists with the Motherland in the South African struggle. The Premier, in reply, defended his action in accepting a national presentation. He denied that he was a wealthy man, saying that the rumor to that eHect had beeu circulated in order to harm him.