{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang5129\deflangfe5129{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;} {\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f37\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0706040902060204}Haettenschweiler;}{\f38\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f39\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;} {\f41\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f42\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f43\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f44\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);} {\f45\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f46\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f58\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f59\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;} {\f61\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f62\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f63\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f64\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);} {\f65\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f66\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f408\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Haettenschweiler CE;}{\f409\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Haettenschweiler Cyr;} {\f411\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Haettenschweiler Greek;}{\f412\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Haettenschweiler Tur;}{\f415\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Haettenschweiler Baltic;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden endnote text;}{\*\cs16 \additive \super \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden endnote reference;}{\s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext17 \ssemihidden footnote text;}{\*\cs18 \additive \super \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden footnote reference;}{\s19\ql \fi-720\li720\ri720\sb480\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar \tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 1;}{\s20\ql \li720\ri720\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar \tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 2;}{\s21\ql \li720\ri720\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar \tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 3;}{\s22\ql \li720\ri720\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar \tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 4;}{\s23\ql \li720\ri720\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar \tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 5;}{\s24\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar \tqr\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 6;}{\s25\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 7;}{\s26\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\tqr\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 8;}{\s27\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden toc 9;}{\s28\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden index 1;}{\s29\ql \li720\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\tqr\tldot\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd \ssemihidden index 2;}{\s30\ql \li0\ri0\sl240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\tqr\tx9360\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \ssemihidden toa heading;}{\s31\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \ssemihidden caption;}{\*\cs32 \additive _Equation Caption;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid100{\listlevel\levelnfc1\levelnfcn1\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc3 \levelnfcn3\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2 \levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'04);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'05);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc2 \levelnfcn2\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'06);}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow2\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'07);}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc255\levelnfcn255\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat0\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'00;}{\levelnumbers;}}{\listname WP List 0;}\listid100}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid100 \listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1924338\rsid3025432\rsid3540643\rsid6955541\rsid9449290\rsid14442988\rsid14635481\rsid15880994}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.4219;}{\info {\title NATIONAL BANK OF FIJI V EREMASI ROVA & MERE MAKITA ROVA [05 FEB 92]}{\author JOHN E. BYRNE} {\doccomm IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI; ( AT SUVA ); CIVIL JURISDICTION; ACTION NO. 169 OF 1991; BETWEEN : NATIONAL BANK OF FIJI a body corporate; duly constituted under the National ; Bank of Fiji Act, 1973 and having its; princi pal office at }{\operator Emalus Campus}{\creatim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr14\min52}{\revtim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr14\min52}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1638}{\nofchars9340}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws10957}{\vern16469}}\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\hyphhotz950\notabind\wraptrsp\nocolbal\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\sprslnsp\nospaceforul\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot14442988 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14442988 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6955541 \chftnsep }{ \insrsid6955541 \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl-20\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6955541 \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14442988 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6955541 }{\insrsid6955541 \par }}{\*\aftncn \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14442988 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6955541 }{\insrsid6955541 \par }}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid14442988\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 { \lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid14442988 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1440\shptop0\shpright10800\shpbottom240\shpfhdr1\shpbxpage\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz0\shplid1026 {\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 131072}}{\sp{\sn dxTextLeft}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dyTextTop}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dxTextRight}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dyTextBottom}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFilled}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn lineWidth}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLine}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fShadow}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn posrelh}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid14442988 \tab }{\field{\*\fldinst {\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid14442988 page \\* arabic}}{\fldrslt { \expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\langnp1033\insrsid15880994 4}}}{\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid14442988 \par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxpage\dobypara\dodhgt8192\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid14442988 \tab } {\field{\*\fldinst {\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid14442988 page \\* arabic}}{\fldrslt {\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\langnp1033\insrsid15880994 4}}}{ \expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid14442988 \par }}\dpx1440\dpy0\dpxsize9360\dpysize240\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat0\dplinehollow}}}}{\insrsid14442988 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sa140\sl-100\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs10\insrsid14442988 \par }}{\footer \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sb140\sl-100\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\fs10\insrsid14442988 \par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f37\fs18\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid14442988 A:\\HBC0169D.91S \par }}{\*\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\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9449290 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par (AT SUVA) \par CIVIL JURISDICTION \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 \par ACTION NO. 169 OF 1991 \par \par BETWEEN: \par \par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 NATIONAL BANK OF FIJI}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290\charrsid9449290 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 a body corporate}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 duly constituted under the National \par Bank of Fiji Act, 1973 and having its \par principal office at Suva in Fiji}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Plaintiff \par \par AND \par \par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 EREMASI ROVA & MERE MAKITA ROVA}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290\charrsid9449290 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 b}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 oth}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 of Makita Street, Muanikau, Suva in \par Fiji, Businessman and Domestic Duties}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 respectively}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Defendants \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9449290 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 \par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 Mr. H.K. Nagin}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 For the Plaintiff \par Mr. V. Maharaj:}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 For the Defendants \par \par Date of Hearing:}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 31st October 1991 \par Date of Ruling:}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 5th February 1992 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9449290 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 RULING ON APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE DEFAULT JUDGMENT}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9449290 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 \par The Defendants apply to set aside a Judgment by Default in the sum of $172,178.83 together with interest thereon at the rate of 16 percent per annum from the 9th of May 1990 which was entered on the 2nd of June 1991.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 The amount is said to be due}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 under a guarantee dated the 19th of July 1988 under which the Defendants guaranteed payment to the Plaintiff of all monies advanced by the Plaintiff to a company named }{ \f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 21C GARDEN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 .}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 It is said by counsel for the Defendants, but denied by counsel for the Plaintiff, that this action is inter-related to action No. 116 of 1990 in which the company said to be guaranteed by the Defendants in this action is the Second Plaintiff in action No. 116 of 1990, the First Defendant Eremasi Rova in this action is the Fifth Plaintiff in Action No. 116 of 1990 and the present Plaintiff in this action is the First Defendant in the earlier action. \par \par In support of the Defendants' application to set aside the default judgment the First Defendant Eremasi Rova has sworn an affidavit on 1st of July 1991 in which he gives reasons for the failure by the Defendants to enter any defence to the present action. }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 These are that shortly after he was served with the Writ herein he handed it to his present solicitors with the request that it be forwarded to his overseas counsel Mr. Stephen Stanton of Sydney, Australia for advice and the preparation of a Statement of Defence.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Mr. Rova states that because of Mr. Stanton's heavy commitments at the time he was unable to prepare the Statement of Defence in time.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 His solicitors sought an extension of twenty-one days from the 7th of June 1991 but the Plaintiff's solicitors declined to grant the extension on instructions from their client but took no action to enter the judgment until the 21st of June.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 The latter day was the very date on which Mr. Rova's solicitors received a Statement of Defence by fascimile from Mr. Stanton. \par \par Mr. Rova then deposes that his solicitors engrossed the Statement of Defence on Monday, 24th of June and tried to file it in the Court Registry when they were advised that a default judgment had already been entered on 21st of June.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Mr. Rova's solicitors then wrote to the Plaintiff's solicitors on the same day seeking the Plaintiff's consent to allow Mr. Rova's solicitors to file the Statment of Defence out of time but their request was declined.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Accordingly his solicitors issued the present Summons on the 2nd of July 1991. \par \par The Defendants annex a copy of the proposed Statement of Defence to Mr. Rova's affidavit of 1st of July 1991 and I shall make some comment on this shortly.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Having received the present Summons Mr. Hamendra Kumar Nagin a partner in the legal firm of Sherani & Co., the solicitors f or the Plaintiff in this action swore an Affidavit in Reply to that of the Defendants on the 24th of July 1991.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Mr. Nagin states that a Writ of Summons was served on both the Defendants on the 13th of March 1991; an Acknowledgement of Service was filed and served on the Defendants by their solicitors on the 15th of March 1991.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Mr. Nagin says the Plaintiff was not aware of the Defendants' requests to forward the Writ to Mr. Stephen Stanton.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Mr. Nagin states that Mr. Stephen Stanton was in Fiji on many occasi ons between 15th of March and the 21st of June 1991 and could have easily attended to the drawing of the Defence.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 He alleges that the Defendants had from the 15th of March to 21st of June 1991 to file their Statement of Defence}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3540643 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 and this was more than a reasonable amount of time.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Mr. Nagin then disputes the Defendants' claim that they have a good defence because he says the Plaintiff's claim is under the guarantee.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 He also says that on the 26th day of April 1991 a Receiving Order was made against the First Defendant and that the Defendant has failed to disclose this in his affidavit. }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 He further believes that the Defendants have several other debts outstanding to various other creditors one of them being a debt by the First Defendant to the Plaintiff in the su m of $192,594.42 together with interest thereon at the rate of 16 percent per annum from the 8th day of May 1990 in respect of the First Defendant's firm }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 PAGAI FISHING ENTERPRISE}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 .}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 I interpolate here that }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 PAGAI FISHING ENTERPRISE}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 is mentioned in action No. 116 of 1990 where it is claimed by the Fourth and Fifth Defendants to that action that the First Defendant in this action received the sum of US$50,000.00 from the Fourth and Fifth Defendants in respect of }{ \f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 PAGAI FISHING ENTERPRISE}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 .}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 It is alleged by the Fou rth and Fifth Defendants in the earlier action that the First Defendant in this action misused the $50,000.00. \par \par Mr. Nagin also deposes that the Plaintiff has instructed him that the First Defendant in this action is further indebted to the Plaintiff in th e sum of $26,728.95 together with interest thereon at the rate of 16 percent per annum from the 8th of May 1990 under the First Defendant's account styled }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 GARDEN ISLAND RESORT}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 .}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 This latter resort is also mentioned in action No. 116 of 1990 as being one of the projects which the Fourth and Fifth Defendants in that action claim the Fifth Plaintiff and they were to operate as a joint venture. \par \par It was said in }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Vann v. Awford}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 (1986) 83 L.S. Gaz. 1725 that on an application to set aside a default judgment the majo r consideration is whether the Defendant has disclosed a defence on the merits, and this transcends any reasons given by him for the delay in making an application even if the explanation given by him is false. \par \par In my interlocutory judgment on an application for security for costs by the Defendants in action No. 116 of 1990 delivered today I remarked that the Statement of Claim in that action was well drawn.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 I regret that I am unable to make a similar comment about the proposed defence in this action which in several ways is vague when one might expect more clarity and particulars and which is also in my view almost incomprehensible in certain parts.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 I now give some examples:}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Paragraph 2 states that the Defendants did not admit that the Plaintiff advanced money to }{ \f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 21C GARDEN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT LIMITED}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 nor do they admit the validity or efficacy of the alleged deed of guarantee pleaded by the Plaintiff.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 No reason for this latter statement is given although one might be expected if the defence were eventually to be believed.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Likewise I find paragraph 6 even as amended at my suggestion to be very difficult to understand.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Similarly I find paragraphs 7 and 8 of the proposed defence well nigh impossible to understand. \par \par All that said, however, I deduce by the referenc es in the proposed defence to Civil Action No. 116 of 1990 that the Defendants are alleging against the Plaintiffs that had it not been for the false and misleading representations made by the First Defendant herein to the Plaintiffs in Action No. 116 of 1 990 as to the willingness of the Plaintiff herein to advance $539.000.00 to the Plaintiffs in Action No. 116 so as to enable them to purchase the Castaway Taveuni Hotel the Defendants to the present Action would not have entered into the guarantee pleaded by the Plaintiff.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 It is alleged in action No. 116}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 that as a result of these mis-representations the Plaintiffs in that action were denied a fair opportunity to develop the business of the Castaway Taveuni Hotel Resort which I note is also known as }{ \f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 GARDEN ISLAND RESORT}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 .}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Whether or not there is any merit in this claim of course remains to be seen but in my view that should not debar the Defendants from at least making such a claim at the trial of this action. \par \par The principle stressed in the cases as to whether a Defendant should be given leave to defend is only that he must be able to establish a prima facie defence at this stage.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Here I will quote from the speech of Lord Atkin in the House of Lords case }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Evans v. Bartlam}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 (1937) A.C. 473 at pp.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14635481 }{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 479 to 480: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\tx720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3540643 {\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 "I a gree that both rules, Order XIII., r.10, and Order XXVII., r.15, give a discretionary power to the judge in Chambers to set aside a default judgment.}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 The discretion is in terms unconditional.}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 The Courts, however, have laid down for themselves rules to guide them in the normal exercise of their discretion.}{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 One is that where the judgment was obtained regularly there must be an affidavit of merits, meaning that the applicant must produce to the Court evidence that he has a prima facie defence.}{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 It was suggested in argument that there is another rule that the applicant must satisfy the Court that there is a reasonable explanation why judgment was allowed to go by default, such as mistake, accident, fraud or the like.}{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 I do not think that any such rule exists, thou gh obviously the reason, if any, for allowing judgment and thereafter applying to set it aside is one of the matters to which the Court will have regard in exercising its discretion.}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 } {\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 If there were a rigid rule that no one could have a default judgment set aside who knew at the time and intended that there should be a judgment signed, the two rules would be deprived of most of their efficacy.}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{ \i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 The principle obviously is that unless and until the Court has pronounced a judgment upon the merits or by consent, i t is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has only been obtained by a failure to follow any of the rules of procedure." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9449290 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 \par This passage is often quoted in applications of this nature and was so quoted in a decision of the Court of Appeal here in }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited v. Mohammed Ismail}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 , C.A. 1987 in a judgment delivered by the Court on the 8th of July 1988. \par \par The result is that although I have distinct reservations about the merits of the proposed defence here I believe at least at this stage the Defendants should not be shut out from defending the action.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 Obviously if they are to succeed in it they will have to develop satisfactorily and credibly the theme which appears to be their real defence namely that fa lse inducements and representations which are described at length in action No. 116 of 1990 were the reasons which led them to enter into the guarantee relied on by the Plaintiff in this action.}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 I therefore give the Defendants leave to defend herein and se t aside the default judgment entered on the 24th of June 1991.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9449290 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 However the Defendants}{ \f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3540643 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 are given this leave only on condition that they pay the Plaintiff's costs to be taxed if not agreed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3540643 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 John E. Byrne \par }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988\charrsid9449290 J U D G E}{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14442988 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3540643 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3540643 HBC0169D.91S}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3540643\charrsid3540643 \par }}