{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f36\fnil\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000400000000000000}WP TypographicSymbols;}{\f172\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f173\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f175\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f176\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f177\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f178\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f179\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f180\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}
{\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 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \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;}{\*\cs15 \additive \ssemihidden footnote reference;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1664700\rsid3290113
\rsid4411371\rsid9270412\rsid13197605}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author blake_r}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo4\dy24\hr11\min5}{\revtim\yr2006\mo4\dy24\hr11\min5}{\version2}{\edmins1}
{\nofpages3}{\nofwords914}{\nofchars5216}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws6118}{\vern16391}}\margl2160\margr2160\margt1296\margb1296 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot13197605 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1296\footery1296\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid13197605\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid3290113 
\par }\pard \ql \li-720\ri-720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin-720\lin-720\itap0 {\field{\*\fldinst {\insrsid3290113 FILENAME  \\* upper \\p }}{\fldrslt {\insrsid3290113 D:\\Singh\\hbc0511d.95s.wpd}}}{\insrsid3290113 
\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\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 CIVIL ACTION NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371\charrsid4411371 HBC0}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 511 OF 1995
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 KUNG WAH TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par Mr. M. Raza for Plaintiff
\par Mr. Ram Krishna for Defendant 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par By summons dated 19 December 2000 the defendant has applied for dismissal of this action for want of prosecution under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Order 18}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 High Court Rules}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
 on the grounds stated in the Affidavit in Support of Ritesh Anthony Gopal, the Claims Officer for the defendant.
\par 
\par As ordered an Affidavit in Reply was filed by the plaintiff on 9 February 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
The present solicitors Messrs. M. Raza & Associates say, inter alia, that the plaintiff had changed solicitors and had misplaced the file in this action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Mr. Raza says that the plaintiff has a good cause of action and now seeks a hearing date to be assigned as soon as possible.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 That request was made on 9 February 2001 in the said affidavit.
\par 
\par The hearing of the summons was adjourned by the Deputy Registrar on numerous occasions unnecessarily in my view.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
It came before me for argument on 24 July 2001 when the defendant handed in to Court its written submission through its counsel Mr. Krishna but the plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 s counsel Mr. B. Patel for Mr. Raza wanted}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 five weeks to do so as Mr. Raza was to be out of the country.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
Had submission from the plaintiff been filed as ordered in five weeks I would have given decision on notice.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9270412 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Despite a written remainder on 19 September 2001 to file written submission the plaintiff failed to do so.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Hence there is no alternative but to consider the matter on the material before me.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9270412 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
On the affidavit evidence before me and upon perusal of the Court file the plaintiff I find has failed to prosecute its claim since 2 September 1996.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 The reasons given by the plaintiff in the said affidavit filed on its behalf are no grounds at all for the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 inordinate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 inexcusable}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  delay by the plaintiff in prosecuting its claim.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 The}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 words }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 inordinate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 inexcusable}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  have been interpreted by the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid9270412 Owen Clive Potter v Turtle Airways Limited}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  Civ. Appeal No. 49 of 1992 at }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 p3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  as follows:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 (Inordinate) ....means so long that proper justice may not be able to be done between the parties.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 When it is analyzed, it seems to mean that the del
ay has made it more likely than not that the hearing and/or the result will be so unfair vis a vis the Defendant as to indicate that the court was unable to carry out its duty to do justice between the parties.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9270412 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 And at }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 page 4}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 , their Lordships stated:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 ...Inexcusable means that there is some blame, some wrongful conduct, some conduct deserving of opprobrium as well as passage of time.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 It simply allows the Judge to put into the scales the Plaintiff}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 s conduct or reasons for not proceeding, as well as the laps
e of time and the prejudice that would result to him from denying him opportunity from pursuing his action or perhaps any action against the defendant.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9270412 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 If allowed to proceed with this action after such a long delay of 5 years and 7 months it will certainly be }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 prejudicial}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  to the defendant for the reason, inter alia, that }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 none of the defendants}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
 witnesses may or could be located for reasons of death, relocation to new addresses or migration, or if they are available, they may not be able to recall with clarity the events relating to the plaintiff}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 s claim}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
 (vide said affidavit supra of Gopal) (so held in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Merit Timber Limited v Native Land Trust Board }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
FCA Civ. Appeal No. 52 of 1993 at p16)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9270412 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 In its affidavit in Reply the plaintiff seeks a hearing date of the action.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 How can that be done unless the plaintiff proceeds to take whatever the next step is to prosecute the action.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Eventually }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Order 34}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 The High Court Rules}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
 have to be complied with before a hearing date could be assigned.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 For reasons best known to the plaintiff it has been sleeping on the file.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9270412 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 The principles governing dismissal of an action for want of prosecution are to be found in the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Notes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Or.25 r1}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Supreme Court Practice 1979 Vol.1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 On the facts and circumstances of this case I have born
e in mind the factors which ought to be taken into account and which have been well summed up by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 O}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Leary J}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  in}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid9270412 Patsalidies v Magoulias}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
 (1984) 69 FLR 402 at 403 (Supreme Court of Northern Territory) thus:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Dismissal of an action for want of prosecution is t
he modern equivalent of the old judgment of non pros. (non prosequitur) which was available to the defendant where the plaintiff delayed proceedings in his action more than the rules allowed, for these he was }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
adjudged not to follow or pursue his remedy as he ought to do}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 : 3B1 Com 295}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 96.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }
{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
Nowadays there are express provisions in the Rules of Court under which an action may be dismissed for failure by the plaintiff to comply timeously with some of the more important steps in the preparation of action for trial.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
In addition to any such powers conferred by the rules, it is now clear that there is also inherent power in the court to dismiss an action for want of prosecution}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  if the delay on the part of the plaintiff or his legal advisers [is] so prolonged that t
o bring the action on for hearing would involve a substantial risk that a fair trial of the issues would not be possible}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 : }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Birkett v. James}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
 (1978) AC 297 at 318.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 That power has been seen as part of the Court}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 s inherent jurisdiction to stay or dismiss cases
 brought before it which are frivolous or vexations or an abuse of the process of the court, for, it is said, that inherent power must extend to purging the court lists of cases which have not been reasonably prosecuted: }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Duncan v. Laventhal}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  (1969) V.R. ISO at 182: Muto v. Faul (1980) V.R. 26 at 30.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
Further, it has been held that it is incidental to the jurisdiction of a judge to hear and determine actions that he has power to hear and determine actions for want of prosecution or for any other misuse of process: }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Excell v. Exell}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371  (1984) V.R. 1 at 7}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371 '}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 . }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
\par For these reasons the plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 
s action is dismissed for want of prosecution with costs against it in the sum of $250.00 payable to counsel for the defendant.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 Judge}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4411371 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4411371\charrsid4411371 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13197605\charrsid4411371 At Suva
\par 5 June 2002
\par }}