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\f5\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par At Suva \par Civil Jurisdiction \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par CIVIL ACTION NO. 129 OF 1990 \par \par Between}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455\charrsid3559455 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 PRESIDENT HOTEL LIMITED}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455\charrsid3559455 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Plaintiff \par \par - and - \par \par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 LAMI TOWN COUNCIL}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455\charrsid3559455 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Defendant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par No Appearance for the Plaintiff \par Mr. S. Parshotam for the Defendant \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 RULING \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 This is an application by the defendant Council seeking to set aside a judgment entered in default of defence.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 The application is made pursuant to }{ \b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Order 19 rule 9}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 of the }{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 High Court Rules}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 which provides}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 "9.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 The Court may, on such terms as it thinks just, set aside or vary any judgment entered in pursuance of this Order."}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par The application was heard on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 8th of August 1991}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 in the absence of counsel for the plaintiff but in any event counsel}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s written submissions have been taken into account by the Court in arriving at its decision.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 It should also be noted that when the matter was fixed on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 24th of July 1991}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 to be argued in chambers the plaintiff was represented by counsel. \par \par The defendant Council raises 2 grounds in its application which may be summarised as follows}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 (1)}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 That default judgment was irregularly entered before the time allowed for filing a defence had expired; }{ \b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 and}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 (2)}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 That the Court ought in the exercise of its discretion to allow the defendant to defend the action on its merits.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par As to the first ground raised the Court need only examine the various time limits granted to a defendant in the High Court Rules of which there are 2}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 :}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-175\li175\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin175\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Order 12 rule 4(a)}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 which provides the time limited for acknowledging service: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14246047 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 "(a)}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14246047 }{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 in the case of writ served within the jur isdiction, to fourteen days after service of the writ (including the day of service) or where that time has been extended by or by virtue of these Rules to that time so extended;"}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8334997 }{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 and \par }\pard \ql \fi-1615\li1615\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin1615\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \fi-175\li175\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin175\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Order 18 rule 2}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 which provides (so far as relevant)}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 :}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14246047 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 "(1)... a defenda nt who gives notice of intention to defend an action must, unless the Court gives leave to the contrary, serve a defence on the plaintiff before the expiration of 14 days after the time limited for acknow}{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8334997 ledging service of the writ ...}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 " \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par From my reading of the foregoing Rules the following propositions are clear}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14246047 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Firstly}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 , a defendant has }{\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 13 clear days}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 , after service of a writ on him, in which to enter an appearance; }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 and}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14246047 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Secondly}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 , that a defendant who has properly entered an appearance has an additional }{\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 14 clear days}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 within which to serve a }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Statement of Defence}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 on the plaintiff }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 i.e.}{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 a total of 27 clear days from service of the writ to service of a defence}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par In this latter regard I am fortified in my view by the wording of }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Order 3 Rule 2(2)}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 which provides}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14246047 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 "(2)Where the act is required to be done within a specified period after or from a specified date, the period beg}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14246047 ins immediately after that date}{ \b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 ."}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par In particular the }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 "act"}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 there envisaged is the }{ \b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 service of defence}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 by a defendant after the occurrence of an event, namely, the expiration of the time limited for acknowledging service of a writ. \par \par In this particular instance the plaintiff served the writ with }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Statement of Claim}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 attached on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 11th of April 1990}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 and although the defendant Council had up till the end of the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 24th of April}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 to acknowledge service of the writ it chose to do so the very next day the 12th of April 1990.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par \par Notwithstanding its early acknowledgment the defendant Council had in my view 14 clear days }{\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 after}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 the 24th of April within which to serve its defence }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 i.e.}{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 up till the close of the civil registry on the 9th of May, 1990}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 . \par \par Accordingly the earliest date when interlocutory judgment could have been entered by the plaintiff was the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 10th of May, 1990}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 . \par \par It is noteworthy that on the }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 4th of May 1990}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 (several days before time had expired for service of a defence)}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 a search for defence was lodged by the plaintiff and returned }{ \b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 No Defence Entered}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 . \par \par Thereafter on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 8th of May 1990}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 the Council}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 solicitor sought by letter, from the plaintiff}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s solicitor, an extension of time till the end of May to serve a defence, and although it is not known when that letter was delivered to the plaintiff}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s counsel, his refusal by letter was not communicated to the defendant}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s solicitors until the 10th of May, 1990. \par \par On the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 9th of May, 1990}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 default judgment was entered against the defendant Council. }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Order 19 rule 2}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 of the High Court Rules permits the plaintiff where a defendant fails to serve a defence to enter interlocutory judgment against the defendant, }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 "after the expiration of the period fixed by or under the Rules for service of the defence"}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 . \par \par This latter expression in turn invokes the provisions of }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Order 18 rule 2(2)}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 which has been examined above.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Needless to say any interlocutory judgment entered }{ \b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 before}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 the expiration of the period thus computed is irregular and must}{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 ex debito justitiae}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 be set aside. \par \par In the result I hold that the plaintiff}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s interlocutory judgment in default of defence was irregularly entered on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 9th of May, 1990}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 BEFORE}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 the period given to the defendant Council to serve its defence had expired and in the circumstances must be and is hereby set aside. \par \par However if the Court is incorrect in its interpretation and computation of the time limited by the relevant }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Rules}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 then in exercising the court}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s unfettered discretion in the matter and mindful of the general principles enunciated in }{ \b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Evans v. Bartlam}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 [1937]}{ \b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 AC at p. 480}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 and bearing in mind that the defendant Council has provided a detailed affidavit of merits and a comprehensive proposed }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Statement of Defence}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 , I order that the default judgment entered against the defendant Council on the 9th of May 1990 be wholly set aside. \par \par By way of further directions I order that the defendant Council file and serve a }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 Statement of Defence}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 on the plaintiff}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s solicitor}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 '}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 s within 7 days of the date hereof with the action thereafter to follow its normal course.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3559455 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 I make no order as to costs. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14246047 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 (D.V. Fatiaki) \par }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3559455 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 \par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid3559455 At Suva, \par 15th November, 1991. \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid76524 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid76524 HBC0129.90}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3700133\charrsid14246047 \par }}