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)}}\pard\plain \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14614947 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14614947\charrsid551261 [1975] 21 FLR 149}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14829638\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13450371\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2778313 COURT OF APPEAL OF FIJI \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2778313 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2778313\charrsid2778313 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13450371\charrsid551261 RATU MOSESE VARASEKETE TUISAWAU \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11943736 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11943736\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11943736 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14625762\charrsid551261 v.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11943736\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11943736 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11943736\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11943736 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11943736\charrsid551261 FIJI TIMES AND HERALD LIMITED AND OTHERS \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13333797 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14829638\charrsid551261 [COURT OF }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333797\charrsid551261 APPEAL, 1975 G}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 ould V.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333797\charrsid551261 P., Marsack J.A., Spring J.A.), \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 20th, 26th November] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2885175\charrsid551261 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Libel}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333797\charrsid551261 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333797\charrsid551261 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 publication in newspaper of picture and article intimating that unsuccessful candidate for Manager of Nat}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2885175\charrsid551261 ive Land Trust Board was corrup}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 tible}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333797\charrsid551261 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333797\charrsid551261 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 whether reasonable readers, having regard for context, would consider words used as imputation against character. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2885175\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The appellant was one of three local applicants who applied for the vacant post of Manager of the Native Land Trust Board. A further 28 perso ns applied from overseas. The new Manager appointed was a Mr Josefata Kamikamica who had not applied. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2384498\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The Fiji Times published an article supported by a photograph on its front page showing Mr Kamikamica shaking hands with the Minister of Fijian Affa}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4938417\charrsid551261 irs together with the caption }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 He got the jo}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261 b because he is incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Later in the article}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 the names of the three local unsuccessful applicants were revealed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4938417\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The appellant contended that the photograph and article were understood to mean that the appel lant was a corruptible person, and that he was not sufficiently trustworthy and reliable to hold the position of Manager of the Native Land Trust Board. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4938417\charrsid551261 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 : (Spring J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 A. dissenting): The fact that Mr Kamikamica was appointed to the post because he was incorruptible did not signify th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4938417\charrsid551261 at the other applicants in general}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 and the appellant in particular, were by necessary inference, held to be described as corruptible. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4938417\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Cases referred to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4938417\charrsid551261 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8742334\charrsid551261 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Hough v. Londo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5335979\charrsid551261 n}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Express}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 [1940] K.B. 507. \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Capital & Counties Bank v. Henty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 (1882) 7 App}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 Cas. 745,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 (1880) 5 C.P.D. 514. \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Gwynne & Small v. Wairarapa Times Age Co. Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 . [1972] }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 N.Z.L.R. 586}{\cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 \par }{\cs15\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 Lew}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 is v. Daily Telegraph Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 [1964] A.C. 234}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 ; [1964] 1 All E.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 R. 705}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 Morgan v }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Odhams Press Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 [1971] 2 All E.R . 1156; [1971] 1 W.L.R. 1239}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Appeal against the judgment of the Supreme Court dismissing a claim for damages by the appellant for libel. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 H.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 M. Patel}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 for the appellant. \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 D.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 J. Williams}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 or the 1st and 2nd respondents. \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 C. Jamnadas}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 or the 3rd and 4th respondents. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The following judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 were read}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 MARSACK J.A:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 26th November 1975]- \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 This is an appeal against a judgment of the Supreme Court sitting at Suva delivered on the 5th Sep}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid81811\charrsid551261 tember 1975, dismissing a claim}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 by the appellant for damages for an alleged libel. The second respondent was sued as editor and publish}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 er of the Fiji Times and Herald}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 ; the third respondent as Minister for Fijian Affairs and Chairman of the Native Land Trust Board.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1261353\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par It is the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 s case that the libel of which he complains appeared in three articles in the Fiji Times in its issues of 8th, 10th and 12th January 1973. These articles are set out in full in the judgment appealed from and I do not find it necessary to transcribe them ag ain in this judgment. They referred to the appointment of a Manager of the Native Land Trust Board, a position which at that time was vacant. Thirty-one persons, nearly all from oversea}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 s, had applied for the position}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 ; one of the applicants was the appellant. The new Manager appointed was Josefata Kamikamica, who had not applied. \par \par In the article of the 8th January, featured }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 on the front page of the Fiji }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Times, there was a photograph of the new Manager shaking hands with the third respondent, and above the photograph was the headline. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 He got the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8742334\charrsid551261 job because he is incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261\charrsid551261 In the course of the article}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261 ,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261\charrsid551261 the third respondent is quoted as saying that the Board felt that Mr Kamikamica was incorruptible. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 The report continues: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 We feel the manager must be absolutely incorruptible, I am not insinuating that previous managers have been corrupt. But the fact is that in this position there is scope for corruption and this is why the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 manager must be incorruptible."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par Later in the article the names of the three local applicants, including the appellant, were set out; the source of info}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 rmation being given as "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 reliable reports.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 There is no suggestion that, this last information came from the third respondent. \par \par A member of the Native Land Trust Board, Ratu Napolioni Dawai, who had s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 uggested to the appellant that h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 e should apply for the position, was angry with the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 s decision and expressed himself frankly to a Fiji Times reporter. His views were published in that paper on 10th January 1973. On the 12th January }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261\charrsid551261 1973,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 the third respondent made a lengthy statement, also published in the Fiji Times, criticising what Ratu Napolioni had said. In the course of that statement, he said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Because of the complicated nature of dealings in land on which the Board will make decisions, it is extremely important that the manager is of proven and unshaken integrity. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par Every application for the managership of the NLTB was assessed in the light of these criteria. We are satisfied that all the applicants are men of integrity. But none of them fulfilled the full requirements of the remaining criteria for the job. \par \par The appellant brought an action for libel against the four respondents claiming d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 amages to the amount of $100,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 000, on the grounds}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 that the articles and the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 photograph were understood to me}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 an that the appellant was a corruptible person, or a person who was not incorruptible; and that he was an unreliable and untrustworthy p}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 erson, who could not be relied }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 on to hold a position of responsibility and trus}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 t and be Manager of the Native }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Land Trust Board. The learned trial judge held, in effect, that }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 the words used were not in them}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 selves libellous, and were not open to the inference by an average reasonable reader that the appellant was corruptible. He accordingly dismissed the claim: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Two grounds were set out in the notice of appeal, and these are as under}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1274420\charrsid551261 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12390143\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12390143 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 1. The learned trial Judge erred in law a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 nd in fact in holding that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 words}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 complained of, when the three articles were taken together, did not contain any defamatory meaning of the Plaintiff. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12390143\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12390143 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 2: The learned trial Judge erred in law and in fact in not having regard to the various witnesses called on behalf of the Appellant who said that they understood the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 article in a defamatory sense."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 \par It would be perhaps be convenient to deal first with the appeal against the third and fourth respondents, as in my view it is possible to do that very shortly. The learned trial judge held that no reference was made by the third respondent to t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid669938\charrsid551261 he effect that the appellant had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 been an applicant for the position; the disclosure of the names of the local applicants resulted, in his finding, from}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid669938\charrsid551261 their having }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid669938\charrsid551261 been unearthed by some enterprising reporter his own private source".}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 The fact that he had been such an applicant would not have been known to the general public. The learned trial judge is in my view correct when he says in his judgment, referring to the third respondent: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12735182 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 His liability should therefore be confined to any statement that he himself made. He cannot be held responsible for information revealed to the Fiji Times from other sources whether such sources were mentione}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 d in the three articles or not."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12735182 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Consequently, there was nothing said by the third respondent fr om which any inference, derogatory to the character of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 the appellant, could have been}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 drawn. In his subsequent }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid551261\charrsid551261 statement,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 he affirms that all the applicants are men of integrity, even though they did not have the particular qualifications required for the position. It cannot, in my view, be contended that what was said by the third respondent is in any way libellous on the appellant; and it certainly does not come within the four corners of the allegation in the statement of claim, upon which the action wa s based against these respondents. In the result, I can find nothing justifying a verdict against the third respondent, or the Board of which he is the Chairman; and the appeal against third and fourth respondents should be dismissed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 With regard to the ap peal against the first and second respondents, this is based upon the contention that the wording of the article of the 8th January, together with the photograph and the headline,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12735182\charrsid551261 emphasized that Josefata Kami}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 kamica had been appointed because of his incorruptibility, particularly as in that position there was scope for corruption}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 that the three named persons, one of whom was the appellant, had been unsuccessful applicants; and that it was a reasonab}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4678494\charrsid551261 le inference from this that the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 appellant was not incorruptible. The question for determination on this appeal is thus not a complicated issue. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4678494\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 There is no direct statement in any of the articles concerned, attributing to the appellant anything which would lower him in the esteem of his fellows. Any libel of the appellant must be a matter of imputation or inference. The test to be applied to such cases is well expressed in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Gatley on Libel and Slander}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 , Sixth Ed., page 89, para. 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9191079\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4678494\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4137560 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 88. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Objective test}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 . What imputation is conveyed by any particular words is to be determined on an objective test, that is, by the meaning in which the ordinary reasonable man would understand them. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 The test according to the authorities is whether, under the circumstances in which the writing was published, reasonable men to whom the publication was made would be likely to unders}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4196634\charrsid551261 tand it in a libellous sense.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ":}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5996337\charrsid551261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 per Lord Selborne L.C. in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Capital &}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Counties Bank v. Henty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 (1882) 7 App. Cas. at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4196634\charrsid551261 p.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 745. The imputation conveyed is not to be determined by the meaning intended by the man who published the words, nor is it, necessarily determined by the meaning which those to whom the words were publ}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ished in fact attached to them."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4196634\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11685421 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 The underly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13785464\charrsid551261 ing princ iple to be followed is discussed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 at some length by Goddard L.J. in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 Hough v. London Express Newspaper Limited}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 [1940] 2, K.B. 507 at p. 515. In the course of his }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 judgment,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 he expresses the opinion that it is unnecessary, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13785464\charrsid551261 hough not perhaps inadmissible,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4461584\charrsid551261 to call witnesses as to what}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 they understood the words used to imply; he goes on to say that the only question is, might reasonable people understand those words in a defamatory sense. \par \par At the hearing in the Court below, the appellant called five witnesses, all friends of the app}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5397117\charrsid551261 ellant, who deposed to what had }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 been the effect of the articles concerned on their minds. Dr Verrier said in cross-examination}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5397117\charrsid551261 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5397117\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13447844 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 I think that the plaintiff was rejected be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13447844\charrsid551261 cause he was not incorruptible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid872537 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Ratu Napolioni said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13447844\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13447844 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13447844\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13447844 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 The selection was unfair an}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9191079\charrsid551261 d ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13447844\charrsid551261 incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14614947\charrsid551261 would c}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 ast a bad }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 reflection on other applicants."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13447844 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13447844\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11685421 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Edward March said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid872537 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 I felt bad about it. I did not like the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 use of the word }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 in that article.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11685421 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Michael Columbus said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid872537 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 I thought that the statements were injurious t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 o Ratu Mosese}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 I thought that they were injurious}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 to the other applicants too.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid872537 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11685421 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 Apisai Tora said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid872537 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 I thought the article w}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 as a slur on the applicants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid872537 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11685421 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 No evidence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 was called for the respondents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 and as I see it, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 there was no need for any such evidence. The whole point is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 what inference would be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 drawn by the average reasonable m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 an from the articles concerned}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9191079\charrsid551261 ?}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 That is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 a matter for the Court to decide}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 and, as stated by Lord Goddard in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Hough}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 s case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 (supra), it is o}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 f little avail to either of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 parties to call witnesses to prove what they understood by the wor}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 ds. In any event, the evidence }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 called for the appellant is in some respects conflicting. Dr Verrier stated that he did not understand the articles to be defamatory of all the applicants including}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 the Australians. Michael Columbus and Apisa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9191079\charrsid551261 i Tora both expressed the view}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 that the statements complained of were injurious also to the other applicants. No explanation was put forward as to why the art icles were libellous only of the appellant, except perhaps that no one would}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 know the identity of the applicants other than the three local persons named in the article of January the 8th. If it were possible to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 hold that the use o\'a3 the word }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 in the way in which it was used in the articles concerned, necessarily bore the imputation that all other applicants were corru}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14614947\charrsid551261 ptible, then the principle set}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 out in 24 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Hals}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 . (Third Ed.) page 5 would apply. A group or class of persons cannot be defamed as a class or group unless the plaintiff is able to say that, though the statement complained of reflected on a class of persons, he was the person aimed at and defamed. There is not a little of evidence in this case indicating that of all the applicants for the position, it was the appellant who was singled out as being corruptible. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid872537\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 The point in issue is well expressed by Roper }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 HYPERLINK http://1J.in }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4280786\charrsid551261 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b1c00000068007400740070003a002f002f0031006a002e0069006e002f000000000000000000000000000000}} }{\fldrslt {\cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 L.}{\cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 J. in}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Gwynne and Small v. Wairarapa Times}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 Age Co. Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 [1972] NZ.L.R. 586}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 at p. 593}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13766705\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13766705\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766705 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 The real crux of the matter is, however, whether reasonable readers, having regard for the context, would necessarily regard the language used as an imputation against character.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11685421 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4461584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 In this case the appellant asks the Court to find that, as Josefata Kamikam ica was appointed to the post because he was incor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14100888\charrsid551261 ruptible, the other applicants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 in general, and he in particular, must, by necessary inference, be held to be described as corruptib}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14100888\charrsid551261 le}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14100888\charrsid551261 and that this is the view}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 which would be taken by the reasonable reader . I do not think that this submission is tenable}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11685421\charrsid551261 and no authorities were cited in support of it. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12855959\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Mr Williams, in my opinion, was thoroughly justified in conceding that the natural reaction of a reasonable person would be that the headline to the article of January the 8th was overdone. I think he was right when he added that such f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15210102\charrsid551261 eatures are not uncommon in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Press, whic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11601610\charrsid551261 h often uses its headlines for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 the purpose}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11601610\charrsid551261 of attracting public attention.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 That in itself is not sufficient to support the appellant}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s claim. What has to be looked at is th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11601610\charrsid551261 e actual text of the words used.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11601610\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 For }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 reasons, which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I have endeavoured to express, I am satisfied that the learned trial judge was correct in his finding}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9456479\charrsid551261 that no imputation of corrupti}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 bility against the appellant could reasonably be inferred from the articles of which complaint was made. Moreover, the articles could not be held to infer that the appellant was an unreliable and untrustworthy person who could not be relied on to hold a p osition of responsibility and trust. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9456479\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Accordingly, I would hold that the appeal must be dismissed and that the appellant must pay the costs of all the respondents in this Court. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15210102\charrsid551261 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9456479\charrsid551261 GO}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 ULD V.P. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15210102\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I have had the advantage of reading the judgment of Marsack J.A. in this appeal and he has stated the main facts. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16717608\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 As to the third and fourth respondents I have no hesitation in agreeing with Marsack J.A. and with the learned trial judge that no case was made out against them. The article in the Fiji Times of the 8th Jan uary 1973 was only in part a quotation of what the third respondent had said and no argument was addressed to this Court suggesting that there was any implied authorisation by the third respondent of the remainder of the article. Had there been, it must h a ve failed, as the article as a whole could not in any way be described as merely an editorial gloss on the words used by the third respondent while retaining their sense and substance. Without the additions attributable to the newspaper itself there was n o libel on the appellant. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10032119\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Whether there was a libel in the case of the first and second }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 respondents,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I find to be a question of considerable difficulty. It arises within quite a small compass. There can be no doubt that an imput}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10032119\charrsid551261 ation of corruptibility is defa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 matory. As I see }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 it,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 the only factor which might prevent the present articles from conveying such an imputation to an ordinary fair-minded reader is the question of the extravagance of the suggestion. The caption at the beginning of th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3959633\charrsid551261 e article of the 8th January, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 He got the job because he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3959633\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 gives tremendous prominence to this aspect of the matter. Even before reading on, the query would come to a reader}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s mind-and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3959633\charrsid551261 were the others not incorruptible}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Then there is the following in the text, after the naming of the three local applicants}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3959633\charrsid551261 and the disclosure}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3959633\charrsid551261 at there were thirty-one in all-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4137560 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 Ratu William said the Board felt that Mr Kamikamica was incorruptible. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3959633\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2250777 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2250777\charrsid551261 SCOPE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2250777 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2250777\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4137560 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 We feel the manager must be absol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2250777\charrsid551261 utely incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2250777\charrsid551261 , he said. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I am not insinuating that previous managers have been corrupt. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 But the fact is that in this position there is scope for corruption and this is why the manager must be incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2250777\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 In the publication in the newspaper of the 12th January the third respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10032119\charrsid551261 is quoted as saying-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10032119\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10032119 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 We are satisfied that all the applicants are men of integrity.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10032119\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4137560 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 And this I would construe as an acknowledgement that there had at least been a possible imputation in what had previously been published. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10032119\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13436652 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 To my }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 mind,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 the fact that there was a group of 31 applicants enters into the question only as a factor i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 n the consideration of whether}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 the imputation is so extravagant as not to be taken seriously. It is not a case where reference to a group prevents identification o f any particular member of that group. The three local applicants were named, and it is particularly to them that the attention of Fiji readers would be directed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 such readers would have little interest in the overseas candidates. \par \par As is indicated in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 Hough v. London Express}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 [1940]}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 K.B. 507, 515 the plaintiff need only show that the article (I refer particularly to the first of them) tends to defame him}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 he does not have to prove that persons to whom it was published think less of him. In this }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 case,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 a fair-m inded reader could well, I think, consider that all the unsuccessful applicants were being disparaged with particular reference to corruptibility as well as other matters}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 unless the very number of the applicants made such an imputation ridiculous and therefore incredible. \par \par The learned judge based his judgment partly on this aspect of the matter and partly on the extravagant nature of the claim that the successful candidate was incorruptible. Such extravagance, the learned judge says, provokes questionable humour directed at the innocent recipient but would be hardly likely to cast a dishonourable reflec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10746\charrsid551261 tion upon those who escape such}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 praise. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 I am with respect not impressed by this last argument-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 if th e plight of those who were unsuccessful, in being compared unfavourably with the incorruptible one proved humour also, would not that be ridicule? }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 However, I think I must agree that it would be an unreasonable reading of the article in question to construe it as meaning that all thirty-one applicants }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10746\charrsid551261 were possibly corruptible. The }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 only doubt I have ab}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10746\charrsid551261 out this, and it is a strong doub}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 t, arises from the naming of the three local readers upon them-but detriment arising from that, though possible, would not be the result of logical reading. The difficulty is that a newspaper cannot expect to find all its readers entirely logical. I have no doubt that the artic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 les are capable of a defamatory}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 meaning. Whether they should be construed as being in fact defamatory is a difficult question and one primarily for the learned judge in the Supreme Court. On full }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 consideration,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 I am not prepared to differ from his finding. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10746\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 accordance with the opinion of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 the majority of the court dismissed with costs. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10746\charrsid551261 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 SPRING, J.A. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10746\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 The f acts giving rise to these proceedings are fully recorded in the judgment under appeal and I find it unnecessary for me to deal with the facts in detail and it will suffice for me to refer only to such }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 facts, which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 are directly relevant to my judgment. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11891408\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 The appellant is the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 son of a paramount Fijian chief, an honours graduate from Hull University and a member of the Senate in Fiji since 1970. At the material }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 time,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 he held the office of Estates Manager of the Housing Authority. In October 1972 the Ministry}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9320995\charrsid551261 fo r Fijian Affairs called for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 applications for the position o\'a3 Manager of the Native Land Trust Board. The plaintiff was one of 31 applicants, all of whom except three, were from overseas. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1330583\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 The appellant complains that he was libelled by the 1st, and 2nd res pondents by three articles which appeared in the newspaper, Fiji Times, on the 8th, 10th and 12th January 1973. On the 8th January 1973}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 on the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 front page of the Fiji Times was an articl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 e announcing the appointment of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 the New Manager}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 of the Native Land Trus t Board. Alongside the article was a photograph of the appointee, Mr Joseph Kamikamica, shaking hands with the Chairman of the Board. Above the photograph was the headline }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 He got the job because he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 s incorruptible}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13436652\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 \par The article of 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 January 1973 stated (inter alia): \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 Most of the applications were from Australia and New Zealand. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4137560 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 The three local ones were from Ratu Mosese Varasekete Tuisawau, an executive with the Housing Authority}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 Mr Joketani Cokanasiga, general manager of the Fiji Visitors Bureau}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 and Mr Dike Naigulevu, acting manager of NLTB. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4137560 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8856805\charrsid551261 The Fiji Times understands that only Mr Naigulevu reached a short list of five.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6898790\charrsid551261 \par It appears that the above information was elicited by a reporter of Fiji Times. Later in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 article,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6898790\charrsid551261 the third respondent is quoted as saying: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10949388 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 We feel the manager must be absolutely incorruptible,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 he said. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10949388 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 I am not insinuating that previous managers have been corrupt. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10949388 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6825667\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 But the fact is that in this position there is scope for corruption and this is why th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 e manager must be incorruptible}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16271109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 \par On the 10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 January }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 1973,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 the Fiji Times published }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13193108\charrsid551261 the report of an interview wi}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 th Ratu Napolioni Dawai criticis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13193108\charrsid551261 ing the remarks of the third respondent that Mr Kamikamica was }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13193108\charrsid551261 incorruptible}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13193108\charrsid551261 and that the use of such a word was a b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15496257\charrsid551261 ad reflection on the other applicants.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13050456\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13436652 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16271109\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 On the 12th January 1973 yet a third article appeared under the heading }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 Minister rejects Dawai attack}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 which purported to explain how the Board came to make its selection of Joseph Kamikamica and saying (inter alia) that all the applicants were men of integrity. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7044924\charrsid551261 The appellant claimed that the Fiji Times by publishing his name, as an unsuccessful applicant, together with the articles and the photograph with the caption thereon defamed the appellant, in that, the ordinary reasonable man reading the articles and seeing the photograph would immediately draw an inference that the appellant was a corruptible person or a person who was not incorruptible; and that he was an unreliable and untrustworthy person who could not be relied on to hold a position of responsibility and trust and be manager of the Native Land Trust Board. \par \par The appellant brought an action for libel against the four respondents }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 claiming damages. Actions for libel in Fiji are heard by a judge alone. The learned trial judge dismissed the action holding that the article in que}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2778313 stion did not constitute libel.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7044924\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 \par I have had the advantage of reading the judgments of the learned Vice-President and my learned brother Marsack J.A and agree, for the reasons they have given, that the appeal against the 3}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 and 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2778313 espondents should be dismissed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 \par \par However, in so far as the appeal against the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 and 2}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4680242\charrsid551261 respondents is concerned I find that I differ from the conclusions reached by the learned Vice-President and my learned brother and I propose to state my reasons for so doing. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 The appellants claims that the 1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 and 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 nd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 respondents in publishing the article of the 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 January 1973 together with the photog}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887 raph and the heading thereover "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10053887\charrsid551261 He got the job because he is incorruptible" stressed that one of the principal reasons Kamikamica was selected was due in large measure to the fact that he could not be corrupted or bribed; that in naming the appellant as one of three local applic ants, all of whom were unsuccessful, the ordinary reasonable reader of the newspaper could make the inference that the appellant lacked this quality of incorruptibility. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The } {\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 HYPERLINK http://appellant.in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4280786\charrsid551261 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b2a00000068007400740070003a002f002f0061007000700065006c006c0061006e0074002e0069006e002f00000000000000ff00000000000000}}}{\fldrslt { \cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8224180\charrsid551261 appellant}{\cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 in}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 effect said, that the inference to be drawn }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8224180\charrsid551261 from such a publication was to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 lower him in the estimation of right thinking members of society generally and to expose him to contempt or ridicule.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16284932\charrsid551261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7044924\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 If there is a libel of the appellant then it must of nece}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8010222\charrsid551261 ssity be a matter of inference. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Gatley on Libel and Slander}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8010222\charrsid551261 6th Edition page 94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 para. 93 states}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8010222\charrsid551261 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14614947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Words are normally construed in their natural and ordinary meaning, i.e., in the meaning in which reasonable men of ordinary intelligence, with the ordinary men}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s general knowledge and experience of worldly affairs, would be likely to understand them. The natural and ordinary meaning may also }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8224180\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 include any implication or inference which a reasonable reader guided not by any special but only by general knowledge and not fettered by any strict legal rule of constr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 uction would draw fro the words}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8224180\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid14249149 In}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Lewis v. Daily Telegraph Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 . [1964] A.C. 234 Lord Reid at page 258 dealing with the natural and ordinary meaning of words said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14614947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 What the ordinary man would infer without special knowledge has generally been called the natural and ordinary meaning of the words. But that expression is rather misleading in that it conceal}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 the fact that there are two elements in it. Sometimes it is not necessary to go beyond the words the mselves, as where the plaintiff has been called a thief or a murderer. But more often the sting is not so much in the worlds themselves as in what the ordinary man will infer from them, and that is also regarded as part of thei}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 r natural and ordinary meaning."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10949388\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The appellant gave evidence and the learned trial judge found that the appellant was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "undoubtedly hurt" by the article of 8th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 January 1973 and he further found that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 the plaintiff found this article somewhat distasteful}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 . Five witnesses were called by the appellant and they}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8224180\charrsid551261 all}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 testified that the arti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 cle as it was worded tended to belittle the plaintiff w}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 hom they all knew personally and for whom they would appear to have had considerable respect. The 1st and 2nd respondents called no evidence. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 There were 31 applicants for the position and I would agree that if the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s name had not appeared there would be no libel. However, what disturbs me is the fact that the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s name was published as one of the three local applicants. In a small count ry such as Fiji, I the average reader of a newspaper would, in my view, brush aside all reference to outsiders and concentrate his attention on the local people}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 the appellant, in my view, by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 reason of his position and standing would be widely known. The fact that ther}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid863985\charrsid551261 e were only three local persons }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 all of whom were named applying for the position, it could in my view quite properly be said that an imputation of corruptibility could apply to each of the three named persons. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The appellant said in evidence, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I was upset because my name was revealed and it }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 was implied that I was corrupt."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The learned judge founded his judgment on the fact that the use of the word incorruptible is a reckless and extravagant use of language and says}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid863985\charrsid551261 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14614947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 It does, however, show th at the use of such recklessly extravagant language is only likely to provoke questionable humour to be directed at the innocent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 re}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 cipient of the praise. It is hardly likely, in the average reasonable reader}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s mind, to cast a dishonourable reflection upo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 n those who escape such praise."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I cannot agree with the learned judge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s reasoning here, that the unsuccessful candidates, who did not have }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 praise heaped upon them}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 , would escape without inferences being drawn as to their likelihood of being corruptible. In my view the ordinary reasonable reader of a newspaper is influenced by sensational headlines, is quick to jump to conclusions and draw inferences. He does not bring to bear a careful and analytical mind in the study of the paper. I can well imagine an or dinary reasonable reader saying, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Oh, I see Mosese did not get that big job with the Land Board}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid863985\charrsid551261 apparently}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 they think he }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 is not beyond taking a bribe."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 The learned trial judge decided further that in this case no defamatory words had been used and that to hold that the average reasonable reader of the newspaper would impute corruptibility to the other persons named in the paper would be unlikely. With respect to the learned }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14249149\charrsid551261 judge,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I cannot agree; he is I think for one thing overlooking the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 sting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 that Lord}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 eid referred to in Lewis'}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Case (supra). The approach attributes and foibles of the ordinary}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 reasonable man in reading a newspaper are in any view, with respect, well summed up in the words of Lord Reid in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Morgan }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 v}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8010222\charrsid551261 . Odham}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 s Press Ltd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 . [1971] 2 All E.R. 1156 at page 1162 where he said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14614947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 "If we are to follow }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 Lewis'}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 [1964] A.C. 234 and take the ordinary man as our guide then we must accept a certain amount of loose thinking. The ordinary reader does not formulate reasons in his own mind}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 he gets a general impression and one can expect him to look again before coming to a conclusion and acting on it. But formulated reasons are very often an after thought. The publishers, of newspapers must know the habits of mind of their readers and I se e no injustice in holding them liable if readers, behaving as they normally do, honestly reach conclusions which they might be expected to reach. If one were to adopt a stricter standard it would be too easy for purveyors of gossip to disguise their defama t ory matter so that the judge would have to say that there is insufficient to entitle the plaintiff to go to trial on the question whether the matter refers to him, but the ordinary reader with perhaps more worldly wisdom would see the connection and ident ify the plaintiff with consequent damage to his reputation for which the law would have}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 to refuse him reparation."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13450371 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4137560\charrsid551261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 In my view, therefore, I must differ from the learned Vice-President, my learned brother Marsack J.A. and the learned trial judge and I would find that the article of 8th January 1973 coupled with the photograph, and the caption could in the mind of the ordinary reasonable reader, that Lord Reid refers to, reasonably be construed as meaning that the appellant was a corruptible person or one no t above being bribed. Accordingly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5996337\charrsid551261 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 I would find the articles defamatory of the appellant and I would allow the appeal and remit the case to the Supreme Court for assessment of damages. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2241883\charrsid551261 Appeal dismissed. \par }}