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\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4529790 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4529790 [1984] 30 FLR 119}{
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13307765 IN THE FIJI }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 COURT OF APPEAL
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11547243 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 FIJI TIMES AND HERALD LIMITED}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11547243 , }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 GARRY BAKER}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11547243  AND }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 VIJENDRA KUMAR}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 [COURT OF APPEAL (Speight, V.P., O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 Regan, J., Barker, J.A.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 ]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par Date of Hearing: 23 July 1984}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Delivery of Judgment: 27 July 1984}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 Defamation}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  - }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 Libel}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  - }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 Judge without jury should assume the mantle of reasonable man of ordinary intelligence}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  - }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 Judge should ask himself }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 is the natural and ordinary meaning of words that which is alleged in the Statement of Claim}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  - }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 if not what do the words mean}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 " - }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 Fair Comment}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  - }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 no defence if not based on facts}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  - }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 or if based on mis}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 statement of facts.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 M. H. McHugh Q.C}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  (of the New South Wales Bar), }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 G.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 P. Lala & M Patel}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  for the Appellant
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid4659388 B. N. Sweetman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  for the Respondents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par Appeal against a decision of the Supreme Court in an action wherein the appellant (Plaintiff) had sued the respondents (defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 s) being respectively the owner}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4659388 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  publisher}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and editor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 of the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Fiji Times}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  for}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 libel arising out of a letter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 published in that newspaper.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par The judgment of and for the Court was delivered by O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 'Regan J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 A.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par The letter omitting formal parts, read (numbers added for convenience of reference):
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 1. Sir, Senator Inoke Tabua}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s insensitive remarks about deporting certain Fiji Indian leaders is unbecoming of a man who is the Prime Minister}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s nominee in the Senate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 2. The sad thing really is that the Prime Minister has not seen it fit to rebuke the Se
nator for his outburst which is not conducive to the promotion of multiracialism in the country.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
3. It is worth remembering that in 1974, Mr Sakiasi Butadroka was castigated by the Alliance Party of which he was then a member, and ostracised by the majority of the people of Fiji for his similarly racist outburst. Will Senator}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Tabua face a similar situation?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 4. Unfortunately, Senator Tabua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s brand of racism is, becoming all too familiar now. It seems to become the pattern for all and sundry to make}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 the derogatory remarks about Indians, apparently under the illusion that the Indians will not retaliate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4659388 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771  It is a dangerous self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
deception, for any community however divided, selfish and insecure, can take i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 nsults only to a certain degree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 5. In this case,
 if Senator Tabua or anyone else thinks that Indians can easily be deported to another country, they are deluding themselves. There cannot be another Uganda in Fiji for obvious historical and economic reasons.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 6. In addition, the Fiji Indians have made more than their share of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
contribution to the country, which they will not give up easily. It will be more fruitful to stop talking about deporting people and living in a make}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 believe world and think seriously about how both Fijians and Indians can live together, to work towards solutions of problems facing us now.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
7. Mr Jai Ram Reddy has been the target of the Alliance wrath in recent weeks. He has been one person singled out as having insulted Fijian people.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 8. Some correspondents in this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4659388\charrsid7306771 
column}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  have exposed the raucousness of h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4659388 is argument in relation to the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 4 Corners programme. It needs no further comment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 9. Another incident that Senator Tabua was no doubt thinking of when he made his outburst was the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 toilet}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  remark. Mr Reddy made that r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 emark in the heat of the moment,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 about another politician, rather than about a high Lauan chief.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
10. It is said that such a simple fact cannot be realised by the people of this country. It is not Mr Redd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s problem if Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara wants to mix his traditional and modern political roles.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
11. Ratu Sir Kamisese portrayed himself as the injured party, insulted by Mr Reddy. But let us pause for a moment and go back to the first day of campaigning for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 this election. It was April 28 I believe, when both the Coalition and the Alliance launched their campaigns in Nausori.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
12. It was in Koroqaqa on the very first day of campaigning that Ratu Sir Kamisese promoting the candidature of Senator Kuar Battan Singh spoke disp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11230355 aragingly of Mr Sharda Nand as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 contemptuous}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  reference to Mr Nand}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s involvement in the Flour Mills of Fiji Case.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
13. Is that not character assassination of a man who had been proven not guilty by the due process of law.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 14. Who planted hecklers in Coalition meetings, who slipped in 
filthy notes beneath doors in Lautoka? Who has talked of the Russian connection without producing a shred of evidence?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
15. No, the story is different from the one the Alliance would have the public of Fiji believe. We like to think of ourselves as living in a democratic country, so let us observe the rules of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 the game.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
16. Let us not obfuscate issues by confusing ritual with reason, principles of ascribed status with the fundamental principles of democracy. It is sad that people of Senator Inoke Tabua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s wisdom use the highest forum of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
debate in the country to make racial statements to appeal to a section of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Fiji}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s population, or to get a renewal of a Senate seat.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 think the citizens of this country surely deserve more than this. We should do something about it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The plaintiff was then the Prime Minister of Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The appeal was advanced on grounds including the following:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . THE Learned Trial Judge erred in fai}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 ling to hold that the words con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
tained in the published letter were defamatory of the Appellant in their natural and ordinary, meaning.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 2. \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 3. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holdi
ng that the language used in the published letter was within the ambit of fair comment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
4. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the defence of fair comment had been made out on the basis that such a finding was against the evidence and the weight of the evidence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
5. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the defence of fair comment had been made out on the basis that the matter upon which the defence was pleaded was not comment and was factually incorrect.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3956447 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3956447 6\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3956447\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 7. THAT the Learned Tr
ial Judge erred in finding that the material complained of did not bear one or more of the imputations set out in paragraphs }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 (a), (}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 b}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 ), (c)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 
 (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 ), (m), (n), (o), (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3956447 p}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 , of paragraphs 5 of the Statement of Claim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 8. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in fai}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
ling to find that the words con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 tain a true innuendo that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
the plaintiff is a hypocrite because}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645  he does not bel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ieve his expressed views of a multiracial society}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (paragraphs 7 and 55}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 (q)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  of the Statement of Claim).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 9. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in assuming that the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 average reader of the Fiji Times}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  has some education including a fair knowledge of the public institutions of his country.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 10. THAT the Learned Trial Judge misdirected himself by stating that the imputations set}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 out in paragraph 5 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 (a)}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 , (b)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395  (c), (d), (e), (f)}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 , (g), (i)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 , (j}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 ),}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  of the Statement of Claim were disposed of by his findings that Senator Tabua was a free agent able to express his own views and that he was speaking his own mind and that the
 published letter could not be understood to mean that what was said by him was under the direction of the plaintiff.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ...................}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 ..............}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ..}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7552645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 .................}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 .............}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ....}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7552645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
13. THAT the learned Trial Judge erred in holding that no one reading the published letter would conclude that the Prime Minister had cheated at the elections and that the words used were incapable of bearing that or any other defamatory meaning.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 14. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 THAT
 the Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that paragraph 14 of the published }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 letter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 could not be understood to mean that the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 was personally responsible for planting hecklers at coalition meetings.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 15. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that he was not satisfied that the words used in the published letter were capable of supporting the imputations in paragraph 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 16. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that it is not defamatory to say of anyon}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 e that he is undemocratic.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ....................}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
18. THAT the Trial Judge erred in law in holding that the defence of fair comment was made out after finding that the author had misinterpreted the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s reference to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 19. THAT the Tri
al Judge should have found that a comment, based on facts which the writer has misrepresented in the article, is not fair.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
20. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in finding that the defence of fair comment was made out, when in truth:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13058982  the words }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 character assassin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771  were a statement of fact and not a comment;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 no facts were proved in evidence which could support a fair comment to the effect }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 the fact that the plaintiff has used the term }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771  in reference to Mr Sharda Nand was not of itself a s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 ufficient basis for the comment }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 ......................

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (e)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 the defendant in its pleadings, submissions and evidence made no attempt to support the statement as a fair comment,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (f)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 there was no evidence to prove the meaning of the term }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771  or any other facts to support the fairness of a comment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 Is that no character assassination}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 21. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in that, even if objectively the term }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771  would support the words }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 is that not character assassination}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771  as a fair comment, the defence failed in this case by reason of the finding that the author misrepresented the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 s reference to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 The plaintiff pleaded that the letter in its natural and ordinary meaning conveyed the following defamatory imputations of him:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (a) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 The plaintiff was of the view that Fijian Indians should be deported.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 The plaintiff as Prime Minister appointed one Senator Inoke Tabua who in turn as his nominee in the Senate has made disparaging remarks about Fijian Indians and such were being attributed to him personally in his position as the Prime Minister of Fiji.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was dishonest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 That the utterances of Senator Inoke Tabua in the Senate were under the direction of the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (e)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a racist in so far as he possessed an enmity against Fijian Indians.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (f)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a bigot in so far a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 s he had a dislike for Indians.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 (g)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a racist and unfit to lead the Fijian population as the Prime Minister.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1382395 (h)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a troublemaker and nothing short of a political activist who stooped to the lowest forms of political agitation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1382395 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid1382395 (i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 ) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 That the Prime Minister was aligned with the man who had racist policies and/or attitudes and accordingly became }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395 v
icariously identified as adopt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ing and/or promoting and in fact supporting the attitudes of Senator Inoke Tabua.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1382395\charrsid8607946 j}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff as a tribal chief of his people was a man who was unfit in the circumstances to lead them and the rest of the population in his office as Prime Minister in view of his racist overtones and attitudes to certain sections of the multi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 cultural society of which he was Prime Minister.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (k}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid8607946 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 ....................}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 (l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  That the Prime Minister is racially prejudiced and unfit for office because he nominated Senator Inoke Tabua to the Senate being a person who is also racially prejudiced and intolerant.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (m)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  That 
the Prime Minister is unfit for office and to be a Member of the Parliament because he cheated in the elections by resorting to unfair and improper electioneering tactics.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (n)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister is unfit for the office and to be a Member of Parliament because he was a party to character assassination by making false allegations against a political candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (o)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister is unfit for office an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 d to be a Member of Parlia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
ment because he behaved unfairly at the election by behaving in an improper manner in that he planted hecklers in coalition meeting and slipped }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 fifty}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  notes beneath doors in Lautoka.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (p)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister is unfit for office because he was undemocratic and did not obey the rules applicable to democratic society.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (q)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 The plaintiff is a hypocrite because he does not believe his expressed views of a multiracial society.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The defendants pleaded that if the words were }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 defamatory}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 , they were fair comment on a matter of public interest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The learned Judges of Appeal reminded themselves (inter alia) that a judge sitting alone in a defamation action
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
.......... has to eschew construing the words complained of in a legal sense ...... and has to assume the mantle of the reasonable man of ordinary intelligence with the ordinary man}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s general knowledge and experience of men and affairs...... and assume the liberality wherewith the ordinary man is prone to perceive an implication.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 ee }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid8607946 Lewis v}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946  Daily Telegraph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 (1964) A.C. 234 (at p. 277 and p. 258 per Lord Devlin and Lord Reid respectively).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and to ask}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
Is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  that which is alleged ........
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15488414 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 (If not) what, if any, less injurious defamatory meaning do they bear?}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
It was common ground that the letter was concerned with the matter of public interest and that respondents were entitled to adopt and a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 dvance what was in reality the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  protection afforded to the author and not the publisher of the words complained of.
\par 
\par The defendants acknowledged on the day following publication that the statement in the letter that Senator Tabua was the nominee of the plaintiff was untrue. That statement had been the substratum for several matters of comment in the letter.
\par 
\par The learned trial
 Judge found that the words in the letter in their ordinary and natural meaning conveyed one of the imputations for which the appellant (plaintiff) had contended viz. that in para (n) above and in that regard, was defamatory. He then upheld the respondent
 defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s claim of fair comment and dismissed the action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Their Honours said th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 t the learned trial Judge did not }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 appear}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  to have considered paras. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (k), (}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16662815 l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  and }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (q).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  They noted that he found all the other imputations alleged had not been established.
\par 
\par Their Honours found that the words in para }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 (n)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (supra) as to character assassination were also defamatory}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 as the trial Judge had found.
\par 
\par Of those matters on which the plaintiff advanced the appeal (supra) paragraphs 12 and 13 (above)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 contained statements of 
fact upon which comment was founded. Those paragraphs included that the plaintiff in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 campaigning}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 for the election of a Senator made reference to Mr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Nand as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 , being a contemptuous reference to his being in the Flour Mills of Fiji case and a character assassin.
\par 
\par The only evidence as to the facts in these paragraphs was that of the pla}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15232871 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ntiff. He said had he made the reference to Mr Nand as}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14892437  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  a flour distributor, because he understood that was being done in the constituency; he was not referring to any court case but to the distribution of flour. Accordingly, the comment }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 that such was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 contemptuous}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  not the requisite foundation of fact, and the only evidence about the Court case was that of the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 who said he had been proved or found not guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 Held:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 The learned Judge in his reference to what might have been the inference from the comments in the letter about the suggested nomination of Senator Tabua by the plaintiff, had applied the approach and tests of a lawyer, not those of the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 reasonable man of ordinary intelligence and knowledge.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The letter included the following statements and conveyed the following imputations:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
In failing to rebuke Senator Tabua or disassociate himself from his (racist) remarks, the plaintiff was tacitly approving them; even though this did not attain the degree of calumny stated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8607946 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15488414 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The plaintiff was in a position to rebuke Senator Tabua}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 because o
f his patronag}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 e of the Senator: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 author}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  opinion was that he would not do so.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15488414 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The plaintiff when he used expression }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  in respect of Mr Nand was}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 not referring to a law case and was not therefore making a contemptuous reference to Mr N}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 s involvement in a law case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15488414 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The words }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 who slipped in filthy }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 notes beneath doors in Lautoka}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 would be taken to refer to the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15488414 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The clear inference 
was that one of the reasons why the Senator chose to make the racialist statement was to curry favour}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
with plaintiff, who would be pleased by such statement and would be more likely to nominate Senator Tabua again as a Senator.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 These statements and imputations by or from them were defamatory of the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The defence of fair comment failed because the comments }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
were not based on facts or were based on mis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 statement of facts}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . Accordingly the defence of fair comment failed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 Davis v. Shepstone}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1886) 1 App. Cas. 180 at p. 190}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 1
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 Sutherland v. Stokes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1925) A.C. 47 at p. 99}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 100.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The Constitution S.3 and S.12 did not affect any alteration to laws of defamation as they were prior to 1970 in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Appeal upheld. New trial ordered limited to damages.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Cases referred to:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 Slim v. Daily Telegraph Ltd. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946 (1968) 2 Q.B. 157
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 Lewis v. Daily Telegraph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1964) A.C. 234
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid8607946 Smith}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8607946\charrsid8607946 s New}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid8607946 spaper Limited v. Becker}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  (1932) 47 C.L.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 R. 279
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 Davis}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382  v}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 . Shepstone}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382  (1886) 11 App. Cas. 180.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 Sutherland v. Stokes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1925) A.C. 47.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 O}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 REGAN. Judge of Appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 Judgment of the Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The appellant is the Prime Minister of Fiji. The first respondent is the owner of the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 Fiji Times}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  and the second and third respondents respectively are the publisher and the editor of that newspaper.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 This appeal and the action for damages for defamation which preceded it have their genesis in a letter to the Editor of the }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382 Fi}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid16464382 ji}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16464382  Times}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  which purported to have been written by one Rakesh Chandra Sharma to whom}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 despite the doubts which have}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 arisen as to the existence of any person of that name}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15488414  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 we will refer as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the author}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The letter reads as follows:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Sir, Senator Inoke Tabua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s insensitive remarks about deporting certain Fiji Indian leaders is unbecoming of a man who is the Prime Minister}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s nominee in 
the Senate.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
2. The sad thing really is that the Prime Minister has not seen it fit to rebuke the Senator for his outburst which is not conducive to the promotion of multiracialism in the country.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 3. It is worth remembering that in 1974, Mr Sakiasi Butadr
oka was castigated by the Alliance Party of which he was then a member, and ostracised by the majority of the people of Fiji for his similarly racist outburst. Will Senator Tabua face a similar situation?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 4. Unfortunately, Senator Tabua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s brand of racism 
is becoming all too familiar now. It seems to become the pattern for all and sundry to make derogatory remarks about Indians, apparently under the illusion that the Indians will not retaliate. It is a dangerous self}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 deception, for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382  any community however divided}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  selfish and insecure, can take insults only to a certain degree.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
5. In this case, if Senator Tabua or anyone else thinks that Indians can easily be deported to another country, they are deluding themselves. There cannot be another Uganda in Fiji for obvious historical and economic reasons.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 6. It will be more fruitful to stop talking about deporting people and living in a make}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 believe world and think seriously about how Fijians and Indians can live together, to work towards solutions of problems facin
g us now.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
7. Mr Jai Ram Reddy has been the target of the Alliance wrath in recent weeks. He has been one person singled out as having insulted Fijian people.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 8. Some correspondents in this column have exposed the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid7306771 raucousness}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  of his argument in relation to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 4 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Corners programme. It needs no further comment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 9. Another incident that Senator Tabua was no doubt thinking of when he made his outburst was the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 toilet}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  remark. Mr Reddy made that remark in the heat of the moment about another politician, rather than about a high Lauan chief.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
10. It is sad that such a simple fact cannot be realised by the people of this country. It is not Mr Reddy}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s problem if Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara wants to mix his traditional and modern political roles.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 11. Ratu Sir Kamisese 
portrayed himself as the injured party, insulted by Mr Reddy. But let us pause for a moment and go back to the first day of campaigning for this election. It was April 28 I believe, when both the Coalition and the Alliance launched their campaigns in Naus
o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 ri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695 
12. It was in Koroqaqa on the very first day of campaigning that Ratu Sir Kamisese promoting the candidature of Senator Kuar Batan Singh spoke}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid1510695  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695 disparagingly of Mr Sharda Nand as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695 atta baba}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695  a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid1510695 contemptuous}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695  reference to Mr Nand}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695 s involvement in the Flou
r Mills of Fiji Case.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid1510695 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695 
13. Is that not character assassination of a man who had been proven not guilty by the due process of law.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382\charrsid1510695 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid1510695 
14. Who planted hecklers in Coalition meetings, who slipped in filthy notes beneath doors in Lautoka? Who has talked of the Russian connection without producing a shred}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  of evidence?

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 15. No, the story is different from the one the Alliance would have the p
ublic of Fiji believe. We like to think of ourselves as living in a democratic country, so let us observe the rules of the game.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
16. Let us not obfuscate issues by confusing ritual with reason, principles of ascribed status with the fundamental principles of democracy. It is sad that people of Senator Inoke Tabua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s wisdom use the highest forum of debate in the country to make racial statements to appeal to a section of Fiji}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1510695 s population,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  or to get a renewal of a Senate seat.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16464382 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16464382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1510695 17. I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  think the citizens of th
is country surely deserve more than this. We should do something about it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par The numbers opposite the first line of each paragraph do not appear in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
published material. We have inserted them for ready reference.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The plaintiff pleaded that the letter in its natural and ordinary meaning conveyed the following defamatory imputations of him:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid2566338 (a}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  The plaintiff was of the view that Fiji Indians should be deported.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 The plaintiff as Prime Minister appointed one Senator Inoke Tabua who in turn as his nominee in the Senate has made disparaging remarks about Fiji Indians and such were being attributed to him personally in his position as the Prime Minister of Fiji.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was dishonest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the utterances of Senator Inoke Tabua in the Senate were under the direction of the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (e)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a racist in so far as he possessed an enmity against Fiji Indians.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid2566338 f}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  That the plaintiff was a bigot in so far as he had a dislike for Indians.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (g)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a racist and unfit to lead the Fijian population as the Prime Minister.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (h)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the plaintiff was a troublemaker and nothing short of a political activist who stooped to the lowest forms of political agitation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid2566338 (i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 ) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 That the Prime Minister was aligned with the man who had racist policies and/or attitudes and accordingly became }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 v
icariously identified as adopt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ing and/or promoting and in fact supporting the attitudes of Senator Inoke Tabua.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid2566338 (j)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 That the plaintiff as a tribal chief of his people was a man who was unfit in the circumstances to lead them and the rest of the population
 in his office as Prime Minister in view of his racist overtones and attitudes to certain sections of the multi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 cultural society}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338  of which he was Prime Minister.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (k)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister was, as Leader of the nation, prepared to restrict the democratic process by moving any political opposition through the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
means and or subterfuge of deportation so as to restrict any political dissent and/or opposition thereby meaning that he was prepared to defeat and/or restrict the democratic process from operating within the sovereign and democratic state of Fiji.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid2566338 (l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  That the Prime Minister is racially prejudiced and unfit for office because he nominated Senator Inoke Tabua to the Senate being a person who is also racially prejudiced and intolerant.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (m)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  That the Pri
me Minister is unfit for office and to be a Member of Parliament because he cheated in the elections by resorting to unfair and improper electioneering tactics.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (n)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister is unfit for offi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 ce and to be a Member of Parlia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ment because he wa
s a party to character assassination by making false allegations against a political candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (o)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister is unfit for offi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338 ce and to be a Member of Parlia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
ment because he behaved unfairly at the election by behaving in an improper manner in that he planted hecklers in coalition meetings and slipped filthy notes beneath doors in Lautoka.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (p)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 That the Prime Minister is unfit for office because he was undemocratic and did not obey the rules applicable to democratic society.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2566338\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2566338 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2566338 (q)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 The plaintiff is a hypocrite because he does }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1510695 not believe his expressed views }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 of a multiracial society.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par The learned Judge in the Court below found that words in the letter in their ordinary and natural meaning conveyed the imputations set out in paragraph }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (n)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  above. He does not appear to have considered paragraphs }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5064253 (k), (l}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (q) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and he held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
that the imputations contended for in all the remaining paragraphs had not been established. As to the imputations set out in paragraph }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (n)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 , he upheld the respondents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 defence of fair comment and dismissed the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s action.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s appeal to this Court was advanced on the following grounds:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . THE Learned Trial Judge erred in failing to hold that the words contained in the published letter were defamatory of the Appellant in their natural and ordinary meaning.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
2. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the requirement of Order 82 Rule 
3(3) was mandatory in that it required a reply to be filed setting out necessary particulars of malice and that in the absence of such a reply particulars of malice could not be led in evidence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
3. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the language used in the published letter was within the ambit of fair comment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
4. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the defence of fair comment had been made out on the basis that such a finding was against the evidence and the weight of the evidence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
5. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the defence of fair comment had been made out on the basis that the matter upon which the defence was pleaded was not comment and was factually incorrect.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
6. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in failing to allow the plaintiff to amend the Statement of Claim in the course of the trial.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
7. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in finding that the material complained of did not bear one or more of the imputations set out in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 paragraphs }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h),}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (i), (l), (m), (n), (o), (p),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 of paragraph 5 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the Statement of Claim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
8. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in failing to find that the words con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 tain a true innuendo that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the plaintiff is a hypocrite because he does not believe his expressed views of a multiracial society}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (paragraphs 7 and 5}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid5064253 (q)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 of the Statement of Claim).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
9. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in assuming that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the average reader of the }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16411336 Fiji Times}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  has some education including a fair knowledge }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the pub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 lic institutions of his country}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
10. THAT the Learned Trial Judge misdirected himself by stating that the imputations set out in paragraph 5}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1132443 (a),}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 
 (b), (c), (d), (e), (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1132443 ), (g),}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178  (i), }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 (j}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 ),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 of the Statement of Claim were disposed of by his findings that Senator Tabua was a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
free agent able to express his own views and that he was speaking his own mind and that the published letter could not be understood to mean that what was said by him was under the direction of the plaintiff.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
11. THAT the Learned Trial Judge was in error
 in stating that he could not imagine that any member of the public believes that the Senate consists of persons whose sole function is to echo the views of the persons or institutions who nominated them for appointment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 12. THAT the Learned Trial Judge 
erred in refusing to accept that the allegations that members or supporters of the Alliance Party engaged in reprehensible practices did not reflect on the reputation of the plaintiff as leader of the Party.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
13. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that no one reading the published letter would conclude that the Prime Minister had cheated at the elections and that the words used were incapable of bearing that or any other defamatory meaning.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
14. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that paragraph 14 of the published letter could not be understood to mean that the plaintiff was personally responsible for planting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1132443 
 hecklers at coalition meetings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 15. THE
 Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that he was not satisfied that the words used in the published letter were capable of supporting the imputations in paragraph 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
16. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that it is not defamatory to say of any one that he is undemocratic.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
17. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in holding that the reference in paragraph 15 to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 rules of the game}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  was not applicable in the context to the Prime Minister personally.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
18. THAT the Trial Judge erred in law in holding that the defence of fair comment was made out after finding that the author had }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
misinterpreted the plaintiffs reference to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 19. THAT the Trial Judge s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 hould have found that a comment based }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 on facts which the writer has misrepresented in the article, is not fair.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
20. THAT the Learned Trial Judge erred in finding that the defence of fair comment was made out, when in truth:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  the words }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 character assassin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  were a statement of fact and not a comment;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 no facts were proved in evidence which could support a fair comment to the effect }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 the fact that the plaintiff had used the term}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  in reference to Mr Sharda Nand was not of itself a sufficient basis for the comment}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 no evidence was proved that the comment represented the opinion of the author;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (e)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 the defendant in its pleadings, submissions and evidence made no attempt to support the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  statement as a fair comment;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid16604178 f)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  there was no evidence to prove the meaning of the term }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  or any other facts to support the fairness of a comment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 21
. THE Learned Trial Judge erred in that, even if objectively the term }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  would support}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the words}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 as a fair comment, the defence failed in this case by reason of the finding that the author misrepresented the plain}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
tiffs reference to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Mr McHugh argued Grounds 1 and 7 to 17 inc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
lusive together and for the pur}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 poses of the argument reduced the 17 imputations pleaded into 6 categories, namely that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 1. the appellant was a racist}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 an amalgamation of pa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 ragraphs }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid16604178 (a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g)
}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid16604178  (i). (j),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  and }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid16604178 (l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 )}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 2. he was guilty of improper and unfair electioneering behaviour and tactics}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 paragraphs }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (h),}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid16604178  (m}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (o)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 3. he was dishonest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 paragraph }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (c)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid12649367 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 4. he was a character assassin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 paragraph }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (n)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 5. he was a hypocrite}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 paragraph }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (a)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16604178 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 6. he was undemocratic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (k) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 (p)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Before passing to consider Mr McHugh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s submissions in }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 support}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 of these various heads of appeal we pause to remind ourselves and to remark that a Judge sitting without jury in a defamation action}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 as did the learned Judge in the Court below}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1132443 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
has to eschew construing the words complained of in the legal sense; r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 ather for this part of his duty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 he has to put aside the judicial robe and assume the mantle of the reasonable man of ordinary intelligence with t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 he ordinary man}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178 s general knowl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
edge and experience of men and affairs. And he must put aside the reserve by which the lawyer restricts implication to the necessary and the reasonable and assume the liberality wherewith the ordinary man is pr
one to perceive an implication. As Lord Devlin put it in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid16604178 Lewis v. Daily Telegraph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1964) A.C. 234 at p. 277:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16604178\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9579684 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
The layman reads in an implication much more freely; (than the lawyer) and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9579684 unfortunately as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the law of defamation has to take into 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 account, is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 especially pron}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9579684 e to do when it is derogatory.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9579684\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 And on the same topic, in the same case at p. 258 Lord Reid had this to say:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
What the ordinary man would infer without special knowledge has been called the natural and ordinary meaning of the words, but the expression is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
rather misleading in that it conceals the fact that there are two elements in it. Sometimes it is not necessary to go beyond the words themselves as where the plaintiff has been called a thief or a murderer. But more often the sting is not 
so much in the words themselves as in what the ordinary man will infer from them and that is regarded as part of their natural and ordinary meaning.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 We remind ourselves also that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 where Judge is sitting alone to try a libel action without a jury the only questions he has to ask himself are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Is the natural and ordinary meaning or the words that which is all}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
eged in the statement of claim? }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and: (If not) what}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 if any, less injurious defamatory meaning do they bear?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 see }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid11995971 Slim v. Daily Telegraph Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . (1968) 2 Q.B. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11995971 
157 per Diplock L.J. at p. 176D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The learned Judge in dealing with the imputations as to racism, first considered paragraph 2 of the letter and said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
The Senate is a deliberative assembly with legislative functions. I cannot imagine that any member o
f the public believes that the Senate consists of persons whose sole function is to echo the views of the persons or institutions who nominated them for appointment. It follows, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14107030\charrsid7306771 
therefore}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11995971\charrsid7306771 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11995971 that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 even if Senator Tabua had been nominated to the Senate by the 
Prime Minister, the statements in the published letter could not be understood to mean that what the Senator said in the Senate or any occasion was said by him under the direction of the plaintiff. On the contrary, the complaint contained in paragraph 2 o
f
 the published letter is an indication that the writer believed that Senator Tabua was a free agent able to express his own views. A reader would have understood this also. The words used mean that the Senator was speaking his own mind, that his ideas as 
expressed were repugnant and that the Prime Minister ought to have rebuked him on that account.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 This disposes of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
allegation that the natural and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11995971 ordinary meaning of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 the words used in the published letter contained the imputations set out in paragraph 5 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11995971 (a), (b), (c),}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid9659864  (d), (e), (f}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid9659864 )}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid9659864 , (g), (i), (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 j}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid9659864 ),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  of the Statement of Claim, some of which appear to me to be fanciful in the extreme.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
In reaching those conclusions we think that it is manifest that the learned Judge has applied the approach and the tests of
 the lawyer and not those of reasonable men of ordinary intelligence and knowledge. We think it clear from his language that he has made no allowance and paid no heed to the layman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s capacity for implication and his propensity to do so when the matter is derogato}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ry. In holding, as he did, that }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the words in paragraph 2 of the letter meant that the Senator}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s ideas as expressed were repugnant and that the appellant ought to have rebuked him on that account, we think the learned Judge has overlooked that our re
asonable man would have readily inferred that the words carried the imputation that in failing to rebuke the Senator or disassociate himself from the remarks}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  the appellant was tacitly approving them. We allow that such inferences do not attain the degree of calumny expressed in paragraph }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid14107030 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  of the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s alleged defamatory imputations but, in our view, they do come broadly within the meaning he has pleaded and bear a defamatory meaning}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  less injurious to the appellant but nonetheless defamatory}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 see}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15822941 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid9659864 Slim v. Daily Telegraph Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15822941 . (supra) per, Lord Diplo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
ck at 176D and Lord Salmon at 185B.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The res}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 pondents pleaded that the words,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 if found to be defamato}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ry, (as we have now found them)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  constituted fair comment on a matter of public interest.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 It was common ground that the,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  letter had to do with a matter }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
public interest; common ground, also, that the respondents were entitled to adopt and advance what was in reality, the protection afforded to the author and not the publisher}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the words complained of.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 M
r Sweetman before launching into his submissions as to this defence referred us to the provisions of sections 3 and 12 of the Constitution of Fiji (Cap. 1) which insofar as they are relevant read:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid7306771 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . Whereas every person in Fiji is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  colour, creed or sex, but}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid15822941 subject}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid15822941  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid15822941 to respect}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid15822941  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid15822941 for the fights and freedoms of others in the public interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  to each a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 nd all of the following, namely-
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 ____________________________________
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 (b) freedom of_____________________, expression.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid12649367 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9659864 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 (c)_____________________________________}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864\charrsid9659864 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 the provisions of this Chapter shall have effect for the purpose of affording protection to
 those rights and freedoms subject to such limitations designed to ensure that the enjoyment of the said rights and freedoms by any person does not prejudice the right}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864  and freedoms of others or the public interest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9659864 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 12.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 (1) Except with his own consent, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 
no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 , that is to say, freedom to hold opinions and to .......... impart ideas .......... without interference.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 (2) Nothing contained in or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 done}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 under}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
authority}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 any}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 law shall be he
ld to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 law in question makes provision-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 (a)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid13198532 
________________________}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 _____________________________________}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid13198532 (b}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 for the purpose of protecting the reputations}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  ....................}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 ..}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367 of other persons.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The emphasis is ours.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 And he submitted that these provisions extended the freedom of expression in this country.
\par In our view the provisions of these sections insofar as they impinge upon the law as to defamation, did not effect any 
alteration to the law of this country prior to Fiji acquiring fully responsible status on the enactment of the Fiji Independence Act, 1970. Without so deciding, we are disposed to think that their provisions insofar as they relate to freedom of speech is 
concerned are declaratory of the law prior to independence and we hold that subsection (2) of section 12 excludes from the effect of those provisions the laws of this country as to defamation.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The main thrust of the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s case in relation to the defence of fair}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 comment is contained in Ground No. 5:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 5. The Learned Trial Judge erred in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
holding that the defence of fair comment had been made out on the basis that the matter upon which the defence was pleaded was not comment and was factually incorrect.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The respondents acknowledge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and indeed acknowledged on the day following}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
publication of the letter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 he statement contained in paragraph 1 of the letter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
that Senator Tabua was the nominee of the appellant in the Senate, was untrue}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719035 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  And}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 that statement is the sub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
stratum for several matters of comment in the letter. Paragraph 2 gives rise to an implication that the appellant was in a position to rebuke Senator Tabua; that such a situation arose because of his patronage of the gentleman and the comment i
s that being so placed, he did not do so. And the rhetorical question in paragraph 3, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Will Senator}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Tabua face a similar situation?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
its ordinary meaning would convey to this reasonable man that it was author}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s opinion that he would not.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The reference in paragraph 16 is that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 it is sad that people of Senator Inoke Tabua
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s wisdom use the highest forum of debate in the country to make racial statements......}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719035 .......}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 to get a renewal of a senate seat.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 These words are linked with and bear nexus to the mis}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
statement in the paragraph. The clear inference is that one of the reasons why the Senator chose to make the alleged racialist statement was to curry favour with the appellant who would be pleased by such statements and would be more likely
 to nominate Senator Tabua again as a Senator.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 This, in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 our view, is also clearly defamatory.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 In our view none of these several libels can be excused as fair comment. The comments have as their sub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 stratum the untrue statement that Senator Tabua was the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s nominee in the Senate. As long ago as 1886 their Lordships of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Privy Council held that if the facts upon which a comment is based are not true, the defence of fair comment must fail}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 Davis v. Shepstone}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1886) 11 App. Cas. 180 at 190}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 1. And, in }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid13198532 Sutherland v. Stopes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  (1925) A.C. 47 at pp. 99}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 100 Lord Carson said:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
Comment, in order to be fair, must be based on facts and if the defendant cannot show that his comments contain no mis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 statement
s of fact, he cannot prove a defence of fair comment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 All in all, therefore, we think that the appellant must succeed on this ground of appeal.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 We find it convenient next to consider Category 4 of Mr McHugh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s subdivision of the grounds of appeal (paragraph }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid12649367 (n)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 ) of the alleged defamatory imputations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Paragraph }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid12649367 (n)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  reads:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
That the Prime Minister is unfit for the office and to be a Member of Par}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 lia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
ment because he was a party to character assassination by making false allegations against a political candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 This alleged imputation arises from paragraphs 12 and 13 of the letter.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The learned Judge held that the imputing of character assassination to the appellant was defamatory of him but went on to uphold the defence of fair comment in respect of it.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The respondents in their cross}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
appeal sought that the judgment of the learned Judge be affirmed on several grounds additional to those relied upon in the judg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 ment out of which was-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
the said defamatory words were not defamatory of the appellant as alleged in the statement of claim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 That ground encompasses an appeal against the Judge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s finding tha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 t the allega}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 tion that the appellant was guilty of ch
aracter assassination, was defamatory. However, no specific submissions were advanced in support of such ground. We affirm the Judge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s finding.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Paragraphs 12 and 13 contains several statements of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
fact upon which comment was founded. First, there is the referen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 ce to the appellant speaking at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  a political meeting}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 of Mr Sharda Nand as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . And it is followed by}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the comment that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 such }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 was }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 a contemptuous reference to Mr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719035  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Nand}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s involvement in the Flour}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719035  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Mills of Fiji Case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . That comment itself has within 
it statements of fact to the effect that Nand was indeed involved in such case and that the reference the appellant made to him at Koroqaqa referred to such involvement.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The only evidence as to these matters was that of the appellant, he said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
I was at Koroqaqa promoting the cause of Singh. I made reference to Mr Nand as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  a flour distributor. I understood that was being done in the constituency. Mr Nand
 was involved in a court case when he was manager of Flour Mills. I was not referring to court case but to the distribution of flour.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The only evidence on the topic, therefore, was that the reference to Nand as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 atta baba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  was not to his involvement in the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Flour Mills of Fiji Case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 . So, again the comment that such was contemptuous has not the requisite foundation of fact. And, there was no evidence that Nand was involved in the case.
\par 
\par And later, in paragraph 13}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719035 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  there is the assertion of fact that Nand }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 had been proven not guilty by the due process of law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 The only evidence as to that is also that of the appellant. We interpolate that the learned Judge who had the tedious task of himself recording the evidence expressed some misgivings as to the accuracy of his note as to the relevant passage. It reads:

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
Mr Nand was not proved innocent. He was found not guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16129276 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Mr Sweetman, with the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 candour }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and fairness that so becomes the barrister, read us his note of what the appellant said. It was:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 My understandi
ng was not held innocent. The appeal court did not declare him not guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13198532 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13198532\charrsid7306771 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7306771 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Neither version provides proof of the fact stated, namely, that Na}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116 nd was proved not guilty by the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 due process of law.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Accordingly, for the reason we gave in dealing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 with this sel
fsame topic in respect of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the imputations of racism, we hold that the learned Judge erred in holding}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
the defence of fair comment availed the respondents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Mr McHugh, as a subsidiary ground, submitted that the rhetorical question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Is that not character assassination........}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 was not, as the learned Judge held, an expression of opinion but rather an assertion of fact}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116 . From the structure of the sen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
tence itself we are inclined to think that Mr McHugh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s submission is correct and indeed that view finds suppo
rt from the observations of Evatt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 J. in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2625116 Smith}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116\charrsid2625116 s}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2625116  Newspapers}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116\charrsid2625116  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid2625116 Limited v. Becker}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
 (1932) 47 C.L.R. 279 at p. 302 but having disposed of this ground of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
appeal on the first limb of the argument, we take no concluded view on the matter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2625116\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Mr McHugh did not offer any submission as to the alleged imputation of dishonesty (Category C) and we say no more of it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 As to the imputations of improper and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 unfair electioneering behaviour }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 on the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s part, we are disposed to agree with the learned Judge that the allegations contained in paragraphs 5 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid93874 (h)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  and 5}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid93874 (m) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
have not been made out. The imputations founded upon them seem to us to go beyond the meaning the ordinary man would ascribe to them. However, we think otherwise of the imputations alleged in paragraph 5}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid93874 (o)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367\charrsid12649367  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12649367  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 in particular as they refer to and arise from that part of paragraph 14 of the letter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 Who slipped in filthy notes beneath doors in Lautoka?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  The only person to whom these words could possibly refer are Senator Tabua and the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 appellant. We think, in the context of the letter as a whole, they would be taken to allude to the appellant. The ordinary man would not, in our view, take the words}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
to mean that he personally went about Lautoka on such a mission; rather, he would, we think, take it that it was being alleged that he caused such to be done.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 We uphold the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s submission that the words are defamatory and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 again as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 there is no evidence as to the fact of filthy notes being so planted, the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 defence of fair comment does not avail the respondents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 With regard to the imputation of hypocrisy, Mr McHugh allowed that he could not support such on the basis of the ordinary and natural meaning
 of the first paragraph. Instead, he advanced it on the footing of a true innuendo. That}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
innuendo was not pleaded. In any event, we find ourselves unable to hold that our reasonable man would on reading paragraph 1 above conclude that they meant or carried
 the implication that the appellant was a hypocrite. They could be taken no more than a base or a premise for what allusions to the appellant were to follow.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 We reject the submission.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874\charrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 The final category (No. 6) refers to the alleged imputation that the appellant was undemocratic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 (paragraphs }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid12649367 (k)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  and }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid12649367 (p)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
). The allegation is founded upon the words of paragraph 15 and the first sentence of paragraph 16. The second sentence of paragraph 16 clearly have no affinity with the imputation under consideration.
\par 
\par In our view, reasonable men of ordinary intelligence with the ordinary man}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
s general knowledge would not ascribe the suggested meaning; rather, we think, the reference to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the Alliance}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  at the outset and the generality of the words which follow would lead }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 him to }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
take the passage as akin to a peroration to a political speech denouncing the Alliance Party. Despite the earlier references to the appellant in the letter, we do not think that our reasonable man would associate the appellant personally with the passage.

\par 
\par We reject the submission.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 In the result the appeal must be and is allowed, Counsel agreed that, in that eventuality}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771  we should pronounce a verdict for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 the appellant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 and order}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 
a new}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 trial limited to the assessment of damages and that we now do.
\par 
\par The respondents are ordered to pay the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid7306771 s costs here and below.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid93874 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771\charrsid93874 Appeal allowed. Question of damages remitted to Supreme Court.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7306771 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5329419\charrsid12649367 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5329419 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5329419 Speight, V.P.,
\par O}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15612626 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5329419 Regan, J.A.,
\par Barker, J.A.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5329419\charrsid5329419 
\par }}