Nisi Prius Court: Before Mr. Justice Bailhache: Called a German Firm: Damages for alleged libel were claimed by William Ehrhardt (Limited), of Time Works, Barr Street, Birmingham, from Edwin Showell and Sons (Limited), Stirchley Brass Foundry, Stirchley, and C. Phipson Showell, director of the firm. Mr. Hollis Walker, K.C., and Mr. Cave (instructed by Messrs. Pinsent and Co.), appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Willes (instructed by Messrs. E. C. Newey and Son) was for the defendants. The alleged Libel was contained in a letter dated May 17, 1915, sent by the defendant company to a Mr. H. Atkinson, and signed by Mr. C. Phipson Showell. Mr. Walker said the plaintiffs were a registered English company. Their usual business was the manufacturing of watches, and for that purpose they had in their possession certain delicate machinery which could be utilised for making parts of time fuses. Of late they had been engaged in that work. They received orders from certain firms, among them being Messrs. Benton and Stone, of Birmingham. Having heard that work was to be given to the plaintiffs. Mr. Showell wrote a letter to Mr. Atkinson, of Benton and Stone, saying: “I understand you have promised an order to the German firm of Ehrhardt after you had verbally promised it to me. Is not our acquaintanceship sound enough to enable you to fulfil your promise even if from the point of view that your patriotism is not keen enough.”
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