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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 CIVIL ACTION NO. 282 OF 2000
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 NATIONAL MB}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14776365 F}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  FINANCE (FIJI) LIMITED
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330\charrsid14179330 And}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 EMILY MANASEITAVA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par Ms. P. Narayan for Plaintiff
\par Mr. I. Tuberi for Defendant
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 DECISION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par By motion dated 7 November 2000 supported by an affidavit}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
the applicant/defendant has applied to set aside default judgment entered against her in this action on 31 August 2000.
\par 
\par An affidavit in reply has been filed by the respondent/plaintiff and a reply thereto by the applicant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
Also, as ordered, the parties filed written submissions.
\par 
\par On 7 July 2000 the Plaintiff had issued a Writ of Summons against the defendant for the sum of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 $22,843.52}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
 being the balance sum of money due under a Hire Purchase Agreement (hereafter referred to as the \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 agreement\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 ) as set out in detail in the Statement of Claim.
\par 
\par The loan was to the defendant\rquote s husband Dominiko Manaseitava.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 She was the guarantor under the agreement.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Her husband died on 19 June 1999.
\par 
\par Since the Statement of Defence was not filed, the plaintiff obtained a default judgment for the said sum on 31 August 2000.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5454634 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Consideration of the application
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 In her affidavit in support of the application, the essential point raised the applicant is that although she signed the guarantee document she was not explained its contents.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 This was on 19 August 1995.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 She said that she }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
had no knowledge and was never involved either directly or indirectly with my husband\rquote s business or any dealings or transactions pertaining to the same.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 But she says that she was given copies of the Plaintiff\rquote s letters of demand concerning her husband\rquote 
s debt sometime in March or April 2000 after the repossession and the sale of the vehicle the subject of the agreement.
\par 
\par On a mention date in this action on 2 March 2001, the Deputy Registrar allowed defendant to file proposed Statement of Defence and a Reply to Affidavit in Reply to plaintiff\rquote s affidavit.
\par 
\par The plaintiff/respondent in Reply states, inter alia, that it was a regular judgment and that the defendant has no defence to the action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
It says that the amount is justly due under the Guarantee and Indemnity agreement dated 29 August 1995.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 It is asking that the defendant\rquote s application be dismissed with costs.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The setting aside of a default judgment is always a discretionary matter for the Court and under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Order 13 Rule 10}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 High Court Rules}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  1988 it is provided that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
Without prejudice to rule 8(3) and (4), the Court may, on such terms as it thinks just, set aside or vary any judgment entered in pursuance of this order.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The judgment herein will only be set aside if the defendant produces evidence that she has a good defence on merits or raises an arguable or triable issue.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 There are two main points which the defendant has raised in her proposed defence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 One is that the content of the guarantee document was not explained to her by Mrs. Duri Whippy who brought the document to her for signature.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 There is no affidavit before me from the Plaintiff denying the allegation except to say, according to Mr. Taniela Matakibau (Legal Executive with Plaintiff), that }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 it is strict policy of the plaintiff that all agreements executed 
by its customers and their guarantors be explained to them and such was that case in this instance}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
 (Item 4 of affidavit of 1 February 2001).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The other point raised by the defendant is contained in item 4 of proposed Defence as follows: }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 ... that the guara
ntee period only lasts for the lifetime of the Hirer and since the Hirer has died on the 19th day of June 1999 of Heart attack her guarantee lapses on the above date}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 In these circumstances the Court has to consider whether the judgment should be set aside or not.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 I am reminded of the words of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Lord Denning M R in Burns v Kondel}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  (1971) 1 Lloyd\rquote s Rep. 554 at 555 that the defendant need only }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
show a defence which discloses an arguable or triable issue}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
This I find the defendant has done.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732 
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 In considering this application I have borne in mind certain principles on which a Court acts where it is sought to set aside a judgment arising out of a failure to comply with the Rules.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 They are contained in the following passages in the judgment of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
Lord Atkins }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Evans v. Bartlam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
 (1937) 2 All E.R. 646 at 650:
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
I agree that both R.S.C. Ord. 13, r. 10, and R.S.C., Ord. 27 r.15, gives a discretionary power to the judge in chambers to set aside a default judgment.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The discretion is in terms unconditional.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The courts, however,
 have laid down for themselves rules to guide them in the normal exercise of their discretion.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
One is that, where the judgment was obtained regularly, there must be an affidavit of merits, meaning that the applicant must produce to the court evidence that he has a prima facie defence.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
It was suggested in argument that there is another rule, that the applicant must satisfy the court that there is a reasonable explanation why judgment was allowed to go by default, such as mistake, accident, fraud or the like.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
I do not think that any such rule exists, though obviously the reason, if any, for allowing judgment and thereafter applying to set it aside is one of the matters to which the court will have regard in exercising its discretion.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 If there were a rigid rule
 that no one could have a default judgment set aside who knew at the time and intended that there should be a judgment signed, the two rules would be deprived of most of their efficacy.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The principle obviously is that, unless and until the court has pronou
nced a judgment upon the merits or by consent, it is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has been obtained only by a failure to follow any of the rules of procedure.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par And at }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 656}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  it is further stated:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
The primary consideration is whether he has merits to which the Court should pay heed; if merits are shown the Court will not prima facie desire to let a judgment pass on which there has been no proper adjudication.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 This point was emphasized in }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Watt v. Barnett}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  3 Q.B.D. 363 .....................}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
He has been guilty of no laches in making the application to set aside the default judgment, though as }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Atwood v. Chichester}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 , 3 Q.B.D. 722 and other cases show, the Court, while considering delay, have been lenient in excluding applicants on that ground.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The Court might also have regard to the applicant\rquote 
s explanation why he neglected to appear after being served, though as a rule his fault (if any) in that respect can be sufficiently punished by the terms as to costs or otherwise which the Court in its discretion is empowered by the rule to impose.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
The appellant here has an explanation, the truth of which is indeed denied by the respondent, but at this stage I see no reason why he should be disbelieved on what appears to me to be a mere conflict on affidavits.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5454634 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Plea of non est factum
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
On the plea of non est factum, in the matter of allegedly not being explained the guarantee, the plaintiff says that she willingly signed the guarantee; she is literate being the senior programme assistant.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
Upon the effect of signing a legal document the learned counsel for the plaintiff referred to the cases of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Gallie v. Lee and Another}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  (1969) 1 All E.R. 1062 or 1072 C.A. and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Saunders}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
 [Executrix] Estate of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Rose Maud Gollie (deceased) v. Anglia Building Society}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  [1970] 3 All E.R. 973.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
Although what is stated in these cases is clear, nevertheless without a trial of the issue it would not be possible to say what the true position was in regard to the defendant\rquote s complaint although it would app
ear that she cannot avoid liability on a plea of non est factum.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 In the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 footnote No. \lquote 10'}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Halsbury Vol.12 4th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  Ed. para. 1366 it is stated:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
A person who looks through an agreement and signs it, although he says he does not understand it, cannot avoid liability on a plea of non est factum because it does not carry out a prior verbal agreement: Blay v. Polland and Morris (1930) 1 K.D. 628 C.A.}
{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 On the aspect of not being \lquote explained\rquote  the following passage from }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Hals}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 . (ibid) }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 para 1336}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330  ought to be borne in mind by the defendant:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
Before a party executes a deed, it should be read by him, or correctly read over or fully and accurately explained to him, and he cannot be required to execute it until this has been done.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 If he is content to execute it without so informing himself of its contents, it will in general be binding on him, even though its contents are materially different from what he supposed
, and even though he is himself illiterate or blind.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
However, if the party executing the deed acts with reasonable care and yet is mistaken or misled (in particular, if he is illiterate or blind and it is falsely read over or falsely explained to him), and
 in consequence there is radical or fundamental distinction between what it is and what he believed it to be, not attributable to a mistake of law as to its effect, the plea of non est factum will be available and the deed will be void.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Even though all the
 requirements for avoiding the deed on this ground may not be fulfilled, a misled executing party may be able to treat the deed as voidable under the law relating to misrepresentation, or it may be void as executed under a mutual mistake of fact.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5454634 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Conclusion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
To conclude, bearing in mind the affidavit evidence before me and considering the authorities, I consider that certain essential facts remain in dispute and there is also question of law involved as a result of the plea of non est factum.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 There is an arguable defence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Whilst I say this I still think the defendant will have an uphill battle trying to satisfy the Court in regard to the plea that she has raised.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 I therefore think that the issue herein should not be finally resolved by me on the affidavits
 alone filed herein but should proceed to trial.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 I therefore allow the application and set aside the default judgment.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The defendant is ordered to file and serve Statement of Defence within 14 days.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Thereafter the action to take its normal course.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179330  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 The cos
ts are to be costs in the cause.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16335777 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 D. Pathik}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16335777 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 Judge}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14179330 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid14179330 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4800732\charrsid16335777 At Suva
\par 4th May 2001
\par }}