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{\revtim\yr2004\mo8\dy31\hr10\min44}{\printim\yr2002\mo1\dy4\hr9\min25}{\version3}{\edmins2}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1652}{\nofchars9417}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws11047}{\vern16389}}
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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283\charrsid14429283 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 (AT SUVA)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 CIVIL APPEAL NO. HBA 5 OF 2001S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 ADVANTAGE CONSTRUCTION
\par AND JOINERY SERVICES LIMITED
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 DR. ROSEMARY MITCHELL
\par DR. PRAVEEN KUMAR
\par DR. TUKAHA MUA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 (trading as Gordon Street Medical Centre)
\par Respondents
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par Tikaram for the Appellant
\par R. Prakash for the Respondents
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par The Respondents who are partners in a medical practice formerly traded as the Gordon Street Medical Centre.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
In about 1998 after a new building was constructed in Suva named the Downtown Boulevard the Respondents decided to move their practice there.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 They took a lease on shops 8 and 9.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
In order to meet the particular requirements of the medical practice it was necessary that the shop spaces be partitioned and generally adapted to the needs of the practice.
\par 
\par In July 1998 Erasito Consultants Ltd, Consulting Engineers and Project Managers (Erasito) prepared the tender document and contract specification for the proposed works (Contract No. 119/98).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 As is frequently the case the documents have not been fully completed however as can be seen from the first page of the general conditions of contract (page 180 of the record) the con
tract was based on and incorporated the Australian Standard General Conditions of Contract AS 2124 \endash  1992.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
The tender documents are at pages 162 to 179 of the record.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
The general and special conditions of contract are at pages 180 to 240 of the record.
\par 
\par On 17 July 1998 the Appellants tender was accepted by Erasito on behalf of the Respondents (page 160) and work began.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
On 12 August 1998 Erasito sent the Respondents the first Progress Certificate (Defence Exhibit D1) in the amount of $14,493.84.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
This was paid on 14 August (Exhibit D2).
\par 
\par On 1 September Erasito submitted Progress Certificate No. 2 (Exhibit D3) valued at $27,418. On 7 September $12,418 was paid by the Respondents (Exhibit D4) with the balance to be paid \'93at a later date pending our discussion with the bank\'94.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 The balance of $15,000 was paid on 14 September}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 (Exhibit D 5).
\par 
\par On 14 December 1998 Erasito sent the Respondents Progress Certificate No. 3 valued at $13,607.63 (Exhibit D 6).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
In the fourth paragraph of Erasito\rquote s letter it was pointed out that under the general conditions of the Contract payment of the certified sum was to be made by the Respondents within 14 days of receipt of the certificate.
\par 
\par On 4 January 1999 Erasito again wrote to the Respondents (Exhibit D7).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
From this letter it emerges that following receipt of the third Progress Certificate certain discussions took place between Erasito and the Respondents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 These led to the Progress Certificate being revised down to $12,314.12 and being renumbered as No. 3A (see Exhibit D8).
\par 
\par On 6 January 1999 the Respondents paid $4,000 towards the progress certificate No. 3A (Exhibit D 9).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 They advised Erasito that 
\'93the balance of $9,607.63 will be dealt with at a later date pending the doctors discussions\'94.
\par 
\par On 28 January the Appellants solicitors wrote to the Respondents demanding paying of $12,314.12.
\par 
\par On 1 February 1999 Erasito wrote to the Appellant\rquote s solicitors (Exhibit D 11).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 In the th
ird paragraph of the letter they wrote:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 \'93the Principal (the Respondents) has not stated that monies owing in \'85
 progress certificate 3A \'85 will not be paid.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
The principal has merely stated that they are disputing a number of items listed in the certificate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
You were advised to make arrangements to meet with the Principal to resolve the dispute and discuss methods of payment or to advise the engineer in writing providing details of your disagreement and details of your preferred method of payment.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par In the 4th paragraph of their letter Erasito wrote:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 \'93
it is considered by the Engineer to the Contract that the contractor has not explored all avenues available to resolve the dispute.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 With reference to clause 47 of the General Conditions of Contract you are requested to submit in writing details of the issue relating to the dispute.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 You are also requested to confer with the Engineer and the Principal to either settle the dispute \'85 or to explore 
alternative dispute resolution procedures before formal arbitration or litigation proceedings are commenced.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par On the following day (2 February 1999) the Appellant replied (Exhibit D 12).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
He indicated that he was not prepared to enter into further negotiations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
He pointed out that payment in respect of Certificate 3A was due 14 days after it has issued.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
He confirmed that the amount being demanded was not $12,314.12 but $8,314.12.
\par 
\par Two days later the Appellant issued a writ in the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court seeking payment of that sum.
\par 
\par In their defence the Respondents admit that Progress Certificate No. 3A was issued.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
They say however that certain items in the certificate (which they did not particularise) were disputed, that the Appellant did not attend a meeting to attempt to resolve the dispute and that accordingly the disputed amount was not paid.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 The Respondents also counterclaimed the sum of $5,300 being the cost of unparticularised remedial works.
\par 
\par In its reply and defence to the counterclaim the Appellant denied that a dispute existed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
It pointed out that Certificate 3A was itself issued after representations were received from the Respondents concerning certificate 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 The counterclaim was denied.
\par 
\par The hearing took place at the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court on 30 March 2000 (pages 110 to 135 of the record) and this is an appeal from the judgment of the court awarded in favour of the Respondents.
\par 
\par In addition to the Appellant, Mr. Erasito and an architect Mr. Jiten Narsey gave evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 The Appellant\rquote s eviden
ce was consistent with his case as pleaded.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Mr. Erasito confirmed that he had issued certificate No.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 3A which he believed to be correct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 This certificate was not paid in full because the Respondents wished to discuss the matter further.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 This, he agreed, is not the normal procedure.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
Mr. Narsey expressed the view that payments should be made once a Progress Certificate has been issued.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
Any disputed items should be resolved later and before the completion certificate is issued.
\par 
\par The only witness for the Respondents was Dr. Mitchell.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
She explained that work on the conversion of the premises was much delayed with considerable resulting inconvenience.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
Progress Certificates 1 and 2 were paid without any problem but when Certificate 3 was issued the Respondents decided \'93not to take it at its face value\'94 and had a meeting with Erasito.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 As a result of this meeting Certificate 3A was issued.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
Apparently, however, the Respondents was still unhappy with the newly certified amount and wanted further discussions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Th
at was why only $4,000 was paid.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
As to the Counterclaim this was the amount quoted by Mani Chand another builder, to complete the works after the Appellant left the site.
\par 
\par In cross examination Dr. Mitchell accepted that the Respondents had effectively overruled their own consultant, Erasito.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
They felt that they could not rely on him.
\par 
\par In a very short Judgment delivered soon after the May 2000 upheaval the Resident Magistrate found Dr. Mitchell to be a witness of truth \'93on the central issue of credibility\'94.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 What that issue was is not specified.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
The Magistrate also accepted the Respondents submissions, set out with admirable clarity in an excellent written submission, that a progress certificate is not conclusive but is merely provisional and subject to adjustment (see pages 45 et seq}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283  of the record).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Finally, the Resident Magistrate acceptable Mr. Mani Chand\rquote s quotation for completing the contract works and she awarded the full amount of the counterclaim to the Respondents.

\par 
\par Although building contracts have their own peculiarities the rights of parties under these contracts are broadly the same as under any other contract: they are the rights and duties as set out in the contract document.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 The question before the Resident Magistrate was not whether th
e Appellant had properly carried out the conversion works, nor whether Erasito had properly issued progress certificate No. 3A.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
The case as pleaded and presented only raised one issue, namely whether the Respondents were entitled under the contract to refuse full payment on progress certificate 3A on the ground that they disputed its correctness.
\par 
\par Unfortunately, the central document, the contract itself was not placed before the Resident Magistrate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
As already noted this central document was AS 2124 \endash  1992.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
It is a pity that neither the Resident Magistrate nor Counsel considered to this document, a copy of which was finally placed before me following the hearing of the appeal, since it directly answers the question raised by the Appellant\rquote s action.

\par 
\par Under Clause 42.1 the principal (here, the Respondents) must pay the contractor (the Appellant) the full amount of a progress certificate within 14 days of its receipt.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 This payment must be made whether or not the amount certified is disputed by the principal 
and payment is without prejudice to the right of the principal to dispute the amount properly due and payable under the dispute provision set out in clause 47 of the contract.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Clause 42.1, line 45 clearly states:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 \'93Payment of moneys shall not be evidence 
of the value of the work or an admission of liability or evidence that work has been executed satisfactorily but shall be a payment on account only \'85..\'94.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par The dispute procedure set out in clause 47 is detailed, clear and straightforward.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Line 18 reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 \'93
Notwithstanding the existence of a dispute the Principal and the Contractor shall continue to perform the contract and subject to clause 44 the contractor shall continue with the work under the contract and the principal and the contractor shall cont
inue to comply with clause 42.1.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par Clause 44 deals with default.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Clause 44.7 line 6 describes as a \'93substantial breach\'94 of contract by the Principal \'93
failing to make a payment in breach clause 42.1.\'94
\par 
\par Under this contract the Appellant was entitled to be paid the full amount certified by Erasito within 14 days.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
He was not paid. Neither party followed the dispute procedure but the Respondents did not argue that the Appellant was in any way prevented from exercising his right to terminate the contract under 
the provisions of clause 44.9 and to sue for the sum owed to him.
\par 
\par I do not think that the Respondents were well or fully advised of their rights and liabilities under this contract.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
Had they better understood the situation they would not have refused payment in full of Certificate 3A.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
Be that as it may, I am satisfied that the Respondents substantially breached the contract by failing to pay and, having failed to remedy the breach, the Appellant was entitled to terminate the Contract.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 In the absence of any specific or detailed evidence of default by the Appellant he was entitled to succeed in his claim.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 Given that the Appellant was entitled to terminate the Contract no question of a counterclaim can arise.
\par 
\par The appeal is allowed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 There will be judgment for the Appellant for the full amount claimed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 The counterclaim is dismissed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14429283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 I will hear counsel as to costs.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 M.D. Scott
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14429283 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14382406\charrsid14429283 
\par 21 December 2001
\par }}