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{\creatim\yr2007\mo10\dy9\hr11\min22}{\revtim\yr2007\mo12\dy17\hr13\min59}{\version7}{\edmins158}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1277}{\nofchars7283}{\nofcharsws8543}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl {\xmlns1 urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags}}\paperw11904\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1440\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot73482 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2 \pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceName}}COOK{\*\xmlclose} {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceType}}ISLANDS{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} \par HELD AT {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}RAROTONGA}{\b\fs24\insrsid15403748 {\*\xmlclose} \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\fs24\insrsid15403748 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 BETWEEN \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 NORMAN GEORGE }{\b\fs24\insrsid735580 & }{\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 ASSOCIATES P}{ \b\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 C}{\b\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid15403748 a duly registered Professional Corporate Entity}{\b\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid15403748 }{\b\fs24\insrsid735580 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid15403748 whose }{\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 registered office is at Avarua}{\b\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 \par {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Ra}{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid15403748 rotonga}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 {\*\xmlclose}.}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 \par }{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid735580 Plaintiff \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15403748 {\b\fs24\insrsid15403748\charrsid15403748 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid3018332 THE MINISTER OF HEALTH}{\b\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid3018332 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid3018332 of Avarua}{\b\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid3018332 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Rarotonga{\*\xmlclose} \par }{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid735580 First Defendant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\b\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid3018332 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16590113 {\fs24\insrsid3018332 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\b\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid3018332 THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid3018332 of Avarua}{\b\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid3018332 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Rarotonga{\*\xmlclose} \par }{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid735580 Second Defendant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\b\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid3018332 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16590113 {\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure for Plaintiff \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Mitchell }{\fs24\insrsid16599870 (}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 So}{\fs24\insrsid735580 licitor}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 -}{ \fs24\insrsid3018332 General}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 )}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 for Defendants \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Date}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 :}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 6}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day} {\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 2007}}}21 June 2007}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 {\*\xmlclose} \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\b\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid3018332 DECISION OF WESTON J}{\b\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3018332 {\b\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid3018332 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16590113 {\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid12717344 1}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 This is a decision in my capacity as a taxing officer under the delegated authority of the Chief Justice}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 The Chief Justice set out that process in a minute dated {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1 {\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 3}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 29}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 2007}}}29 March 2007}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 {\*\xmlclose}.}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Subsequently}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Nicholson J gave some directions and pursuant to those }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure has provided his }{\fs24\insrsid735580 client}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{\fs24\insrsid735580 s affidavit of documents}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Counsel a}{ \fs24\insrsid735580 dvises me that this is a copy of}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the complete file held by the Plaintiff entity}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Norman George an}{\fs24\insrsid735580 d Associates P}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid735580 C}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid735580 On a number of}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 occasions}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 when I enquired if further documents existed}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure advised me that this was}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 as he understood it}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the complete file}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 \par \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid12717344 2}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I discussed with counsel at the outset how this hearing might proceed and the consensus reached was that}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 in my capacity as a taxing officer}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I should hear submissions from the Solicitor}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 -}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 General and then}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 from }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure in response}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 If necessary}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the Solicitor}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 -}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 General would then reply}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid12717344 3}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 I}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 advised }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure that his client}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 was entitled to be present}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I was advised that he did not seek to be present and was content for }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure to conduct the matter on his behalf and in his absence}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid12717344 4}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 I}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 am grateful to counsel for the assistance they have provided me}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid12717344 5}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 I}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 take}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 as my starting point}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 a passage from the UK Supreme Court practice that }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure helpfully provi}{\fs24\insrsid735580 ded}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid735580 In that extract it is said}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 :}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid16599870 "}{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 the test to be applied on the taxation of costs} {\i\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 whether on the standard or indemnity basis}{\i\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 is that of reasonableness}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ."}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 In }{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid735580 Francis v Francis }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid735580 and}{\i\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid735580 Dickinson}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 it was held that the correct viewpoint to be taken by the taxing officer}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 in considering whether any step was reasonable}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 is that of a sensible solicitor considering what}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 in light of his then knowledge}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 was reasonable in the interests of his client}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid12717344 6}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 In addressing this matter I have already given a ruling on the admissibility of certain materials}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 in particular}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 a report prepared by the Public Expenditure Review Committee and an opinion prepared by }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 McFadzien}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have allowed those materials to be put before me and I have considered them}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I believe}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 though}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 that the report of the Public Expenditure Review Committee goes further than my jurisdiction}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 While I do nee}{\fs24\insrsid735580 d to l}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 ook at the extent of }{ \fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 s instructions}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 what he did and how he billed them}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 it is not my job to see whether he carried out his work as a reasonable and competent solicitor}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 My }{\fs24\insrsid735580 j}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 ob}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 rather}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 is to look at whether he has billed reasonably in relation to his instructions}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 7}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George was instruct}{ \fs24\insrsid735580 ed by a letter dated {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 6}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 6}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 2005}}} 6 June 2005}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 {\*\xmlclose} and it seems he was then given various materials received from the complainant}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 These materials are quite bulky and detailed in terms of the medical issues discussed in them}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 They are not easy to read}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 particularly to someone who is not familiar with the medical terminology}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 8}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George read}{\fs24\insrsid735580 those materials and on the 16}{\fs24\super\insrsid735580\charrsid735580 th}{\fs24\insrsid735580 of}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 June he acknowledged receipt of them}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 He asked to be paid $10}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 000 in advance and he also asked to be put in funds to the extent of $30}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 000}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid3018332 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 it seems with a view to effect any settlement}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I think it is important to note that in his letter of instructions}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George was told that his job was to }{\fs24\insrsid735580\charrsid16590113 endeavor}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 to settle the complaint and that is ultimately what he set out to do}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 9}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid735580 On or about the 20}{\fs24\super\insrsid735580\charrsid735580 th}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 of June}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid3018332\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George was given a copy of an opinion prepared by }{\fs24\insrsid735580\charrsid16590113 Mr}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Hodgson QC}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 a very experienced medico}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 -}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 legal expert in {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 6}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 9}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 2007}}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date} {\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 6}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 9}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 2007}}}New Zealand}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 {\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}.}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid13451965\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Hodgson set out a useful opinion and }{\fs24\insrsid13451965\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 . }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George was obviously reliant upon that when he prepared his init}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 ial letter of offer on the 22}{\fs24\super\insrsid13451965\charrsid13451965 nd}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 of J} {\fs24\insrsid13451965 une}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 There were then a number of}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 letters to and}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 fro which culminated on the 7}{ \fs24\super\insrsid13451965\charrsid13451965 th}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 of October in a letter of offer which was accepted}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 The terms of the settlement were recorded in a deed o}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 f the 19}{\fs24\super\insrsid13451965\charrsid13451965 th}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 of October}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 10}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George then issued a bill for $40}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 000}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 As }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Mitchell says}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 there is an uncanny relationship between that figure and the figure of $40}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 000 which }{ \fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George initially sought to have paid to him}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I should say though that he was only paid the sum of $10}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 000 w}{\fs24\insrsid15140326 ith his request for the $30}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid15140326 000 declined}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 11}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 at the direction of Nicholson J}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 prepared a schedule of his time records}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{ \fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure advised me that this was prepared by him in response to the Court}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 s direction}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 It does not follow from a}{\fs24\insrsid15140326 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 series of discretely kept time sheets but}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 rather}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 was put together after}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the event by reference to the file and }{ \fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 s diary}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 12}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 This shows a total of 142}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 5 hours worked on the case}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have been through this in detail by reference to the file}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have heard submissions on this from }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Mitchell and }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure has also addressed me o n it as best he can bearing in mind the limited materials on the file}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 13}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I am satisfied that the amount of hours set out here is overstated}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{ \fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure made the valid point that the difficult nature of the subject matter addressed would have requi red some time to consider those materials}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I agree}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 but it seems to me that }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George spent about 45 hours reading his initial instructions and a series of appendices}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 that were attached}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 On the 17} {\fs24\super\insrsid13451965\charrsid13451965 th}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 of June for example}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 he said he studied three appendices and spent approximately 10 hours doing so}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 But those appendices total only 6 pages and in my respectful view would not have taken 10 hours to study}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 A similar sort of analysis could be undertaken at virtually every step}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 14}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I then raised with }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure an entry made in mid July 2005 where 24 hours was claimed to have been spent liaising with overseas lawyers}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure advised me there was nothing on his file that would assist me in understanding what occurred at that time}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have read a letter prepared by }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Tony Robinson dated {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month} {\xmlattrvalue 6}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 9}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 2007}}}9 June 2007{\*\xmlclose} where he refers to a discussion that he had with }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 that is somewhat inconsistent with what }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George sets out in his time records}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I asked }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Vakalalabure to address me in relation to }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Robinson}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 s letter and he gave me what assistance he could}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Nevertheless I am satisfied that the claim for 24 hours at this time is also overstated}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 15}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 It is impossible for me to set an actual time that I believe should have been spent on this file}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I think that 142}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 5 hours is considerably overstated but I am reluctant to set some replacement time}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I bear in mind that my job is to decide what is a reasonable fee}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 A time basis is not the only basis upon which fees are set}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .} {\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 One needs to look at the nature of the instructions}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the difficulty of them}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the complexity of the matters}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 the seniority of the practitioner required and many other factors like that}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Ultimately the correct level of the fee is a matter of }{\fs24\insrsid13451965\charrsid16590113 judgment}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 and impression}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have had regard to what } {\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Robinson charged his client for undertaking his side of the matter}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have had regard to what }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 McF}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 adzien says would have been an appropriate level of fee}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Both of these experienced lawyers indicate a fee range of somewhere around the $5000}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 -}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 $7000 range}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 16}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I have given consideration to what the PERC report says and its criticisms of }{ \fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Although it is not my area to enter into}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I do not want it to be thought that I have adopted those criticisms or been influenced by them without exercising my own }{\fs24\insrsid13451965\charrsid16590113 judgment}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 as to what }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George did and didn}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 t do}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 As I said}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 he accepted instructions to settle a proceeding and that is what he did}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 He is being criticized for that but I do not see it as my job to repeat or examine the criticism}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Again}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I repeat}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 my job is to ascertain what is a reasonable fee}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 17}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 In all the circumstances}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I believe a reasonable fee would be $10}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 ,}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 000 plus VAT making a total of $12500}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I do not allow any separate sum on account of disbursements because there are no records before me that would show me what those disbursements are}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 I do not want to be th ought to say that I disbelieve }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 Mr}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 George}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 '}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 s claim in relation to disbursements but simply that I have no materials before me upon which I can rely}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 It is for that reason that I have not allowed any separate figure on account of disbursements}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 18}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid12717344 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 Co}{\fs24\insrsid13451965 s}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 ts are reserved}{ \fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 The parties are to provide memoranda if there is}{\fs24\insrsid15140326 }{\fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 no agreement on costs}{\fs24\insrsid16599870 .}{ \fs24\insrsid16590113\charrsid16590113 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16590113 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15140326 {\b\fs24\insrsid15140326\charrsid15140326 Judge \par }}