Mr. Wing successfully objected to the reading of the evidence of Mr. A. D. Bell, taken on commission, holding that there was, no vital reason why Mr. Bell should have left 'Shanghai before the ease, and it was important to have him' before the jury in person.
Major Hilton-Johnson's evidence was read. He stated that Capt, Barrett had shown a very friendly attitude towards Mr. Beatty. and did much to help him, expressing the opinion that he wasa fine police officer, though at times he was apparently ata loss what to do with Mr. Harris summed up in three or four sentences, saying he was! quite content to Leave the case the jury.
Mr, Wing entered into a rather lengthy review of the evidence. Regarding the references made to Mr. Bell, he nice old gentleman who the halle of clubs and ta of those who come in and out The Judge said he had already ruled that) there was a qualified privilege. There was no. need te rove justification. All the defen. ant had to show was that he made statements or wrote letters ordinary course of his duty and without malice. When previously he said there was evidence of malice, vg only in a legal and He could not help thinking that, instead of malice, the greatest consideration had been shown. Nothing could have been more kindly than Capt. Barrett's letters. It might almost be sti that Cupt. Barrett was neglecting' hhis duty a Commissioner of Police preventing one report from going ju and in inducing the Chairman of the Council to allow him to withdraw it The jury came to a decision without les box, the foreman announcing:—"No malice what-ver'
Judgment was given for the defendant, with costs.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.