{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;} {\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f67\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f68\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f70\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;} {\f71\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f72\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f73\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f74\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;} {\f75\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f87\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f88\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}{\f90\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;} {\f91\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f92\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f93\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}{\f94\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;} {\f95\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\qr \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qj \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\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\qj \li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0 \b\i\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Block Text;}{\s16\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Body Text 2;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid1545487446\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid509271860\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers \'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li1800 \jclisttab\tx1800\lin1800 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li2520\jclisttab\tx2520\lin2520 }{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3240\jclisttab\tx3240\lin3240 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0 \levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3960\jclisttab\tx3960\lin3960 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li4680\jclisttab\tx4680\lin4680 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li5400\jclisttab\tx5400\lin5400 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713 \'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li6120\jclisttab\tx6120\lin6120 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li6840 \jclisttab\tx6840\lin6840 }{\listname ;}\listid276331259}{\list\listtemplateid-181644524\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid-270915176 \'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;} \fi-360\li2520\jclisttab\tx2520\lin2520 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li3240\jclisttab\tx3240\lin3240 } {\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3960\jclisttab\tx3960\lin3960 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0 \leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li4680\jclisttab\tx4680\lin4680 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1 \levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li5400\jclisttab\tx5400\lin5400 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li6120\jclisttab\tx6120\lin6120 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713 \'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li6840\jclisttab\tx6840\lin6840 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li7560 \jclisttab\tx7560\lin7560 }{\listname ;}\listid966547485}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid966547485\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid276331259\listoverridecount0\ls2}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid340101\rsid595526\rsid4590350\rsid6242530 \rsid9188711}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.4219;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author stirikula}{\operator ehndvaun_d}{\creatim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr18\min41}{\revtim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr18\min41}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages6}{\nofwords2063} {\nofchars11763}{\*\company Director of Public Prosecutions}{\nofcharsws13799}{\vern16469}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440 \dghshow1\dgvshow1\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\rsidroot6242530 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6242530\charrsid6242530 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 (AT LAUTOKA) \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par CIVIL ACTION NO.: HBC0100/1993 \par \par BETWEEN: \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 INOSI NAWAIKALOU \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 PLAINTIFF \par \par AND: \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 TROPIK WOOD INDUSTRIES LIMITED \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 DEFENDANT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par Mr H. Shah for the Plaintiff \par Mr P. Samusamuvodre}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6242530 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 for the Defendant \par \par Date of Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6242530 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 2nd October 1995 \par Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6242530 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 13th October 1995 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par This matter came before me on the 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 nd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October. The counsel for the defendant first applied for an adjournment. \par \par Counsel was unable to refer me to any reason why the adjournment should be granted other than that he was not prepared properly as he had not been formally instructed. I note that the court record shows that counsel appeared in directions hearing on the 24}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 March 1995 before the Deputy Registrar when this matter was set for hearing on this day. \par \par Counsel was unable to refer me to any basis for his application which he would show a good and strong reason for the adjournment. The principles to be applied are:- \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 { \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 illness of a party \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 { \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 Absence of the material witness or \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 { \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 Surprise \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par None of these matters were advanced as a reason for these matters were advanced as a reason for the adjournment. \par \par It appeared to me that the issues in this matter were relatively clear cut and that the defence should have records within its possession to unable the trial to proce ed given that I allowed a short time for counsel for the defendant to gather his client and take the appropriate instructions. \par \par I adjourned the matter for what turned out to be half an hour. \par \par On resumption, counsel for the defendant advised me that he had contacted his client whose office is only a short drive from the Court House. He was advised that one witness was in the United States (that appeared to be a Managerial witness). Another Managerial witness was in a Conference. He also advised me a check o f his office revealed that the full file is not in his office. Apparently Counsel had taken over the practice of the former Solicitor on the record for the defence but this take over related mostly to plant and equipment. Counsel advised me that he did not have formal instructions to proceed. He had attempted to obtain these whilst talking with the defendants on the morning of 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 nd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October by telephone. He had been unsuccessful in getting this instructions to proceed. Counsel applied for and was granted leave to withdraw in those circumstances. \par \par The defendant\rquote s name was then called three times by the Court orderly. No response. \par \par I dismissed the application for the adjournment on the basis that no proper reason was given other than the lack of the defendant providing proper instructions to sufficiently prepare its counsel for trial. \par \par The matter proceeded. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 FACTS \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par Bearing in mind that the evidence was not tasted by cross examination due to non-appearance of the defendant, the plaintiff was called to give evidence. \par \par The plaintiff, now a resident of Naitasiri, said that he started with the defendant in 1986 and worked there until October 1992. He said that there was no problem with his employment up to that date. \par \par His average wage he said was in the gross sum of $101.00 per week. Exhibit 1 includes several Pay Slips picked at random during him period of employment. \par \par On the 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992 the plaintiff reported for work at the defendant\rquote s premises at 7.00am in the morning. He was confronted by his immediate Supervisor who handed him a letter dated the 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992 (Exhibit 2). This letter purported to suspend the plaintiff pending the outcome of certain investigations into an allegation of the removal of company property without proper authorization. He said tha t the letter was handed to him by the Personal Manager who spoke briefly to the plaintiff about it. The plaintiff denied the charges but accepted the suspension pending further investigations. \par \par The plaintiff then returned to his residence and sometime later he was served with a letter dated the 7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October which is Exhibit 3 in this proceeding. He was served with this letter by a member of the Security Personnel of the defendant. He said in evidence that this letter arrived approximately one week after it w as dated. I therefore presume that it was served on him around about the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 or 14}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992. This letter details that a fully investigation has been carried out into alleged serious misconduct on the 25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 September 1992 and that the person to whom i t was addressed was effectively fired. I am unable to ascertain what is the importance of this letter or in fact its relevance. It is addressed to one Mr SITIVENI RALULU and no evidence was given as to why it should be before me or why the plaintiff shoul d have received it. \par \par Be that as it may, the next development was that the plaintiff was served with a letter from the defendant to the plaintiff dated the 9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992. That letter was given to him by the same Security Officer. It arrived, he said, appr oximately one week after it was dated. I take it that it arrived sometime in the week of the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 , 14}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 , 15}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 of October 1992. He said in evidence the Security Guard indicated he had some difficulty in finding him because the plaintiff had changed his place of residence in that intervening week. \par \par The letter addressed to the plaintiff advises that a full investigation has been carried out into the alleged misconduct for which he was suspended and he had be exonerated. As the letter says \'93we conclude that the allegation is unfounded.\'94 The plaintiff was advised that the suspension was lifted and he was to return to work at 7.00am on Tuesday the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992. He was further advised that no loss of pay would result. An apology was given by the defendants to the plaintiff in respect of this matter. \par \par The plaintiff said he then returned to work the next day (perhaps on or about the 14}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \\15}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 of October) and spoke to the Personnel Officer. This was the same Personnel Officer from whom he received the original suspension notice. I note that the letter of 9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992 being Exhibit 4, is signed by a MR LEWENIQILA. His description is given as Personnel Manager. \par \par The plaintiff said (and this evidence is untested) before he started work on that morning, he was told by the Personnel Officer \'93Did he expect to start.\'94 The same Personnel Officer told him he could not start work on that day as he used to steal. He said that the Personnel Officer told him \'93You are a thief\'94. The plaintiff consequently left the employment and did not return. \par \par The next development was that the plaintiff did receive a letter being Exhibit 5 which terminated the employment of the plaintiff effective from the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October. This letter is dated the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October (1992). \par \par The letter details that the plaintiff was requested to report for work on the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October but he did not do so. The letter terminates his employment pursuant to Part B Clause 3 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6242530 (c)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 of the Master Agreement which states:- \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6242530 \b\i\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \'93 An employee who is absent without permission of the employer for more than five consecutive working days will deemed to have dismissed himself unless a reasonable and acceptable explanation is prefe}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid340101 rred within a reasonable time.\'94}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par The letter also advised that the plaintiff would receive one week\rquote s pay in lieu of notice and that he should contact the Personnel Department to complete those arrangements. \par \par The plaintiff then returned to his village where he has since been a farmer. \par \par On the 5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 April 1993 he commenced action by way of Writ in this Court. \par \par The prayer for relief claims:- \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 { \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 Damages for Wrongful Dismissal. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid340101 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6242530 { \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 Any other relief which may seem just and equivalent (perhaps this should read equitable) to this Honourable Court. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 I must decide matters before me in the context within which they are pleased. This action is pleaded as an action for Damages for Wrongful Dismissal. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par The principle to be applied in respect of wrongful dismissal is that which could be described as the Addis principle resulting from the case }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 ADDIS \endash v- GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 (1909) AC 488 in which i t was held that the measure of damages recoverable for wrongful dismissal cannot be more than the amount of remuneration which should have been paid and that not additional sum can be claimed on the grounds of humiliation or injury to personal dignity cau sed by the sudden termination of employment. This qualification to the principle comes from }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 COX \endash v- PHILIPS INDUSTRIES}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 1976 (3 All ER) 161. Both principles were approved in the Fiji Court of Appeal Decision No. 9 of 1993 in }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 DIRECTOR AGRICULTURAL \endash v- NARESH CHAND. \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 I have before me no Agreement or Contract. There is reference in Exhibit 5 to the \'93Master Agreement\'94. This \'93Master Agreement\'94 is also alluded to in the defence filed in this matter but it was not put before me. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par Regrettably therefore, I must proceed on the basis that there was an oral Contract of Service and apply the provisions of the Employment Act (Cap 92). \par \par Section 28 of the Employment Act sets out circumstances in which an employee can summarily dismissed. It is sufficient to say that on the evidence before me from the plaintiff, none of these reasons is applicable. \par \par Section 24 of the Act then sets out the provisions as to notice. \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid340101 Section 24}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 (1)(b) says:- \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6242530 \b\i\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \'93 Where the contract period is one week or more but less than a fortnight or where wages are paid weekly or at intervals of more than a week but less than a fortnight, not less than seven days notice before the expiration of such period.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid340101 Section 24}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 (2) says that notice may be given orally or in writing. \par \par Thus, the employer in this circumstances should have given either one week\rquote s notice or one week\rquote s pay in lieu. The letter of the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992 clearly indicates that the one week\rquote s pay in lieu of notice was granted. \par \par On the untested evidence of the plaintiff before me, that the Personnel Manager on the plaintiff\rquote s return to work after his suspension, wrongfully stopped the plaintiff from working. I do not view the advices of the Personnel Manager to be termination of the employment because there is no evidence before me that he had any autho rity to hire and fire on that day but I do consider that the actions of the Personnel Manager were such as to send the plaintiff away from his work. \par \par This in turn, on the plaintiff\rquote s untested evidence, lead to the Notice of Termination of Employment sent under cover of correspondences of the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992. That Notice of Termination properly offered one week\rquote s pay in lieu of notice but said that the termination would be effective from the close of work on the 13}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October. \par \par As I see it, the termination should in this circumstances more properly be from the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992 with the one week \rquote s pay in lieu o}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid340101 f notice applicable thereafter.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par \par I am of the view that the plaintiff was ready and willing and able to work for the period 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October to the 23}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 Oc tober but did not do so because presumably unauthorized actions of an officer of the Defendant Company. Thus the amount of remuneration which should have been paid to the plaintiff was his pay from the 13}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October to the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October plus the one week\rquote s pay in lieu of notice. \par \par On the plaintiff\rquote s evidence it was not his fault that he failed to work between the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October and the 23}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October. This was the fault of the Personnel Manager \endash at least on the plaintiff\rquote s untested evidence and the only evidence before me. \par \par The period 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \endash 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October relates to seven working days. \par \par By examining of Exhibit 1 (the Pay Slips) it appears that the plaintiff worked eight hours a day at $2.30 an hour the daily rate of $18.40 for the seven days therefore his damages would be $128.80. \par \par I consider that an interest rate of 10% per annum should be applicable for what is two and half years. I calculate that interest at $32.20. \par \par I give judgment for the plaintiff against the defendant in the sum of $161.00 damages for wrongful dismissal. \par \par I order that the defendant pay the plaintiff\rquote s cost for this action to be taxed if not agreed. \par \par I consider that I should also note in this judgment that the plaintiff in submission to me on the question of damages appeared to be making those submissions based on the premise that damages should be greater than those I have assessed because the principles applicable to the breach of the Contract of Employment should be those which I apply. \par \par I have already noted that the matter before me seeks damages for wrongful dismissal and I am not empowered to go beyond that. \par \par The plaintiff also of course has an obligation to mitigate his or her losses. \par \par In my view, had this matter being decided on a breach of Contract argument, \'93reasonable notice\'94 as required (see }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 Richardson \endash v- Koeford}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 [1969] 3 All ER 1264) would most likely in these circumstances, that notice prescribed by the Employment Act. \par \par Also, of course, the defendant would have a very strong argument in respect of mitigation. The plaintiff himself i n evidence said that he had not sought other employment. He had also failed to mitigate his loss by going back to his employer after he received the letter of 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October 1992. \par \par That correspondence sets out part B Clause 3 \'a9 of the Master Agreement indicates that the employee has a right to give a reasonable and acceptable explanation within a reasonable time. \par \par In my view, had the plaintiff gone back to his employer and explained the circumstances under which he did not continue to work between the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October and the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 October, that the employer would have seen that as a reasonable and acceptable explanation. By falling to do so, the plaintiff has clearly failed to mitigate his loss and this would weigh heavily against him had a breach of contract argu ment be presented to me. \par \par In circumstances, although not asked to determine the question, I doubt whether a court would have awarded damages for breach of Contract in any greater sum than those awarded for}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid340101 the Wrongful Dismissal action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6242530 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 JOHN D. LYONS \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid595526\charrsid6242530 JUDGE \par }}