{\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;}{\f77\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f78\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f80\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}
{\f81\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f82\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f83\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f84\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}
{\f85\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f97\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f98\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}{\f100\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}
{\f101\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f102\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f103\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}{\f104\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}
{\f105\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}}{\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 \rsid752439\rsid4936000\rsid5315647\rsid5658829\rsid9974823\rsid10900555\rsid13520519\rsid14422330\rsid16732904}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.4219;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Emalus Campus}
{\operator Emalus Campus}{\creatim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr15\min5}{\revtim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr15\min5}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1368}{\nofchars7799}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws9149}{\vern16469}}
\paperw11906\paperh16838\margl1984\margr1984\margt1134 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\hyphhotz806\notabind\wraptrsp\nocolbal\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\sprslnsp\nospaceforul\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701
\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot10900555 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10900555 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid5315647 \chftnsep }{\insrsid5315647 
\par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl-20\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid5315647 
\par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10900555 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid5315647  }{\insrsid5315647 
\par }}{\*\aftncn \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10900555 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid5315647  }{\insrsid5315647 
\par }}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1134\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid10900555\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid10900555 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1984\shptop0\shpright9922\shpbottom240\shpfhdr1\shpbxpage\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz0\shplid1025
{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 65536}}{\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\tx3969\tqr\tx7938\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid10900555 \tab }{\field{\*\fldinst {\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555 page \\* arabic}}{\fldrslt {
\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\langnp2057\insrsid4936000 4}}}{\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxpage\dobypara\dodhgt8192\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\tqr\tx7938\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid10900555 \tab }
{\field{\*\fldinst {\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555 page \\* arabic}}{\fldrslt {\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\langnp2057\insrsid4936000 4}}}{\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555 

\par }}\dpx1984\dpy0\dpxsize7938\dpysize240\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat0\dplinehollow}}}}{\insrsid10900555 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sa140\sl-100\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs10\insrsid10900555 
\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\pararsid14422330 
\f2\fs24\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par At Labasa
\par Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par CIVIL APPEAL NO. 5 OF 1992
\par 
\par Between:
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 MOHAMMED SAKUR
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 s/o Mohammed Kasim
\par Appellant
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 - and -
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 TAHIR KHAN
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 s/o Nasir Dar
\par Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par Mr. A. Sen for the Appellant
\par Mr. A. Kohli for the Respondent
\par }{\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 This is an appeal against the order of the Magistrate Court, Labasa setting aside a default judgment entered against the respondent}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  (hereafter referred to as the }{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 '}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 defendant')}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  in the sum of }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 $2,195}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  inclusive of costs.
\par 
\par The appellant's sole ground of appeal reads}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13520519 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
"That the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact in setting aside the judgment in favour of the Defendant when prima facie there was no defence."}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par It is convenient to briefly outline the facts of the case.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 On the}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  14th of April 1989}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  the appellant}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  (hereafter referred to as the }{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 '}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 plaintiff')}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  issued a }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Writ of Summons}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  in the Magistrate Court, Labasa in which the following }{
\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Particulars of Claim}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  was endorsed}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "The Plaintiff claims to recover from the Defendant the}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 sum of $2,120.00 being the amoun
t due and owing by the Defendant to the plaintiff under a certain agreement.
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Particulars whereof are well known to the Defendant.}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555 
\par }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 WHEREAS}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  demand for payment has been made but the Defendant has failed to pay the same.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 And the Plaintiff further claims the costs of this action."}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par The Writ was served personally on the Defendant on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  24th of April 1989}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 and on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  3rd of May 1989}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 default judgment was entered against the Defendant as no }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 '}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 notice of defence'}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  had been served by the Defendant in terms of }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Rule 6}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  of the }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Magistrate Court Rules}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .
\par 
\par Nothing happened thereafter until the 21st of January 1991}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  (}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 i.e.}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  21 months later)}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  when the plaintiff issued a Judgment Debtor Summons (}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 hereafter referred to as the}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 '}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 JDS'}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 ).}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 The }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 JDS}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  was then adjourned for mention on numerous occasions until the }{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
4th of October 1991}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  when the Defendant eventually applied to set aside the default judgment.
\par 
\par The application was supported by an affidavit deposed by the Defendant explaining the reason for his non-appearance}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  (on time)}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  on the date fixed for the hearing of his case.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 It also annexed a }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Statement of Defence}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  which contained what has been described as a}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 '}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 bare denial'}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  in the following terms}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 :}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "}{
\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 1.}{\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 THAT}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  he denies being indebted in the sum of}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 $2,120.00 or at all."}{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par Prior to the application however it appears that the }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Statement of Defence}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 had been wrongly accepted in the Magistrate Court registry on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  26th of August 1991}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
Be that as it may this irregularity was}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  "cured"}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 when the learned Magistrate ruled on the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  22nd of May 1992}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 in favour of the Defendant's application setting aside the default judgment.
\par 
\par In so ruling the learned Magistrate dealt with the affidavit of the Defendant filed in support of the application to set aside the default judgment and said}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 :}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "The counsel for the plaintiff/responden
t did not contest any of the matters contained in the affidavit and supported by the defendant/applicant's counsel except stating that the defence is a general defence and not a detailed one.}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Even the claim of the plaintiff states that the defendant owes a
 certain sum of money on an agreement and does not give any details.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
In these circumstances the defendant can do nothing but make a general defence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
I accept the reason given by the defendant for being absent from Court and hold that he has a valid defence."}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par Learned counsel for the appellant prefaced his submissions on appeal by referring to and reading from }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order XVI}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 rules 3(d); (e) and (f)}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  which deal in part with }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Pleadings}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  in Magistrate Court actions.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 This reference however is misguided as no pleadings were ever }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
"... ordered to be filed"}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  in this case other than in the learned magistrate's order for the defendant to file a Defence within 14 days in his above-mentioned ruling.

\par 
\par In my view the appropriate Magistrate Court Orders relevant to this present appeal are }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order IX}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  which deals specifically with }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "}{
\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 PARTICULARS OF CLAIM}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 " }{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 (which was the procedure adopted by the Plaintiff in this action)}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  and }{
\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order XXX}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  rule 5}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  which specifically empowers the Magistrate Court to set aside any judgment obtained against any party in the absence of such party on sufficient cause being shown.

\par 
\par It will be noted that the discretion thus given to a Magistrate Court to set aside a default judgment is not in terms entirely}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  "unlimited"}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
The discretion can only be exercised }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "... on sufficient cause (being) shown ..."}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par 
\par In this latter regard learned counsel for the appellant observed that the defendant had not sought further and better particulars of the plaintiff's claim as he could have done under }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order IX rule 2}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  but, more particularly, t
he defendant had failed to deny the agreement under which the monies were alleged to be owing to the plaintiff.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Indeed on being pressed learned counsel for the appellant accepted that if the defendant had denied the existence of the agreement then there wo
uld have had no cause for complaint.
\par 
\par Such a submission however completely ignores the possibility that the Defendant may well have accepted that an agreement did exist between him and the plaintiff but he denied its enforceability.}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par 
\par Must the defendant in addition to denying liability, specifically admit the agreement when the general}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 '}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 rule of pleading'}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  encapsulated in }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order XVI rule (e) }{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 (and referred to by counsel for the appellant)}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 renders such an admission redundant}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 ? }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 With all due respect to learned coun
sel's submission, I think not.
\par 
\par It will be noted that in filing a claim under }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order IX rule}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 1 }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 the primary onus is on the plaintiff to lodge with his general claim }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "... particulars of his demand in any form which shall give the defendant reasonably sufficient information }{
\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 as to the details of his claim}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "}{
\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
(my underlining)
\par 
\par In this regard the plaintiff's claim that the monies are owed }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "under a certain agreement"}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  without any attempt to supply }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "details"}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  sufficient to identify its origin, terms and duration, fails in my view to give the defendant }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "... reasonably sufficient information"}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  required by the above }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Rule}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 In such circumstances a plaintiff can hardly be heard to complain about a }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
Statement of Defence}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  which contains a bare denial }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 nor}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  is it proper having failed to discharge a}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  "primary obligation"}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 , for such a plaintiff to then seek to shift the}{\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  "onus" (so to speak)}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  onto the defendant to seek further and better particulars of the claim so as to better inform himself of the plaintiff's case.
\par 
\par Then learned counsel drew the court's attention to the decisions of }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Wallingford v. Mutual Society}{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  (1880) 5 A.C.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  and }{
\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Re General Rail Syndicate, Whiteley's Case}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 (1900) 1 Ch. D. which plainly establish that a mere general denial that the defendant is indebted will not suffice in a contested application for summary judgment under }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order 14}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  of the }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 High Court Rules}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Needless to say in such an application there is normally no }{
\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Statement of Defence}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
 filed and the court only has before it the defendant's affidavit which must }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "condescend upon particulars"}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .
\par 
\par Again with due respect to learned counsel for the appellant the more helpful cases would be those decided under the equivalent order of the }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 High Court Rules}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 , namely, }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order 13 rule 10}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 .
\par 
\par In the leading authority of }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Evans v. Bartham}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  (1937) A.C. 473 Lord Atkin}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  said of the U.K. equivalent of our }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order 13 r.10}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  of our }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 High Court Rules}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  which closely mirrors }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Order XXX r.5}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  of the }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Magistrates Court Rules}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  in an oft-cited passage at }{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 p.480}{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 "The discretion is in terms unconditional.}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 The Courts, however
, have laid down for themselves rules to guide them in the normal exercise of their discretion.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 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 h
e has a prima facie defence ...}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
The principle obviously is that unless and until the Court has pronounced a judgment on the merits or by consent, it is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has been obtained by a failu
re to follow any of the rules of procedure.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sa120\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
But in any case in my opinion the Court does not, and I doubt whether it can, lay down rigid rules which deprive it of jurisdiction.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Even the first rule as to affidavits of merits could, in no doubt rare but appropriate cases, be departed from."}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par More recently and in similar vein }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Burns v. Kondel}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 (1971) 1 Lloyds Rep. 554}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 Lord Denning M.R.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  said at }{
\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 p.555}{\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330 :}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 

\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\tx0\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
"We all know that in the ordinary way the Court does not set aside a judgment in default unless there is an affidavit showing a defence on the merits.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 That does not mean that the defendant must show a }{\b\i\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 good}{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330  defence on the merits.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 He need only show a defence which discloses an arguable or triable issue.}{\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{
\b\i\f0\expnd0\expndtw-2\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 In an accident case, it is sufficient if he shows that there is a triable issue of contributory negligence."}{
\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14422330  }{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 (my underlining)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par I am satisfied having regard to the manner in which the plaintiff has chosen to plead his claim that the Defendant has not only raised an arguable defence disclosing a triable issue but also th
at the learned Magistrate did not err in the manner in which he exercised his discretion in the matter.
\par 
\par Accordingly the appeal is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\f0\ul\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 JUDGE}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-720\hyphpar0\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14422330 {\b\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 At Labasa,
\par 6th October, 1992.}{\f0\expnd0\expndtw-3\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10900555\charrsid14422330 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid752439 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid752439\charrsid8014457 HBA}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid752439 0005J.92B}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid752439\charrsid8014457 
\par }}