م
RwHW
This seems
to be a proper case
Kong government
to
for the Hong
take up the defence of
on behalf of the plantiff defendant.
In the
bouton pant Privilege will
avail him
no doubt
against the pleas of libel
and slander. [2. Q.B.D. (C.A.) 1895 th. 189-196.]
As to the third pleading,
I am extremely
doubtful if it will prove to disclose
valid legal ground of
any Actions of
a
action at all, similar kind have been
brought previously on
occasions,
various
but rarely with success.
I do not anticipate
a different fate under notice, which affears on the present materials to be vescations and
for
that now
2
as proposed.
Ruttw.
5. Y
1915.
phu
AVC
vindictive.
6.J. 1J-
No
CONFIDENTIAL.
sir,
C.O
20685
195
MAY 15
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG.
26th March, 1915.
I have the honour to transmit the enclosed writ
which has been issued at the instance of Mr. H. G. Fisher, formerly Executive Engineer in the Public Works Department, who olaims damages against the Director of Public Works for (a) slander and (b) preventing Mr. Fisher from obtaining leave of absence while serving under this Government.
2.
I assume that the alleged slander, particulars
of which do not appear in the writ, is supposed to arige out of the correspondence and reports concerning the delay in building the Post office. As regards the alleged prevention of Hr. Fisher's leave I need hardly point out that since the grant of leave lay in my discretion, Mr. Chatham was not responsible for
the refusal of leave.
3.
The writ was served by a local firm of solicitors or the 16th of March, and as I consider that the action taken by Mr. Figher is vexatious and wholly unjustifiable since Kr. Chatham, who has on more than one occasion reported favourably upon Mr. Fisher's professional qualifications, acted officially in his officiel capacity as Director of Public Works, I would ask that you would be good enough to cause an appearance to be entered for Mr. Chatham in this action by legal representatives who should, I submit, be retained at the cost of this Government
to defend the action.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,
&C.
&C. 1
I have the honour to be,
sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Governor,&o.
k....
VAN