(concurring). The doctrine of absolute privilege should be sparingly extended. If this were a case of first impression, I would go no farther than holding that the statements in question were qualifiedly privileged. Incidentally I do not believe that the record supports a finding of actual malice.
Feeling, however, bound by our decision in Sheridan v. Crisona (14 N Y 2d 108), I am constrained to agree with the majority that the rationale of that case dictates an affirmance.