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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 CIVIL ACTION NO.: HBC}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 169 OF 2003}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 LAISA VOSAWALE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 PLAINTIFF}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 :
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 GEORGE TRANSPORT LIMITED
\par SHAUKAT ALI
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 DEFENDANTS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Mr. E. Veretawatini for Plaintiff
\par Mr. R.P. Singh for Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819\charrsid10884819 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 CLAIM AND DEFENCE:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 This is a claim under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Death and Interest) Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The claim arises out of the death of one Noa Dokanivalu as a result of him being hit by a bus registered number AY 192 at Suva bus stand on 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  September 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The plaintiff alleges the collision was due to the negligence of the second defendant, the driver of the bus AY 192.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Liability is denied by the defendants alleging that the collision was due to the negligence of the deceased amongst other reasons for stepping onto the path of the bus.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The first defendant also denied it was the owner of the bus.
\par 
\par The plaintiff on the writ described as intended administratrix.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In the statement of claim she says she is the administratrix.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 A grant of letters of administration had been made to her on 18}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  February 2003, that is, some two and a half months before the issue of writ.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The title in the writ is not fatal to her claim especially in light of Section 10 of Compensation to Relatives Act which permits any dependent to issue a writ in certain circumstances.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 EVIDENCE OF WITNESSES}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 PW1 LAISA DOKANIVALU is the plaintiff and the widow of the deceased.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She told the court that she had been married to the deceased for 40 years and at the time of his death, her husband was 63 years old.
\par 
\par He was a farmer with a farm at Lomaivuna, growing dalo, ginger and cassava.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He sold ginger and dalo to Wah Zing.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 They supplied 15 tons of dalo in six months or a year and ginger 3 tons to 15 tons.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her husband started farming in 1980.
\par 
\par Besides selling crops to Wah Zing, she sold crops at Suva Market earning $200.00 per week.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 After her husband\rquote 
s death she returned to her village.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She stopped farming because there was no one to farm the land.
\par 
\par On 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  September 2000 she came to Suva with her husband and daughter Rosa.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 They wanted to go to the Flea Market across the road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Before they crossed, her husband went back to one of her sons who is a bus driver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She did not see the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In cross-examination she said that her son drove K.R. Latchan bus.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 When she heard a sound, she saw her husband lying on the road and bus further ahead of her.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She said her husband supplied six to seven tons of dalo in ten months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 After his death she kept the farm for one year and harvested the crops.
\par 
\par PW2 AMI CHAND is employed by Wah Zing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He has been employed by Wah Zing since 1980s.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Wah Zing exports ginger, dalo and cassava after purchasing them from Fijian farmers.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He tendered a copy of contract which his employer had with the deceased regarding purchase of ginger.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said the deceased supplied 15 to 20 tons of ginger and at times 30 tons.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said ginger was bought for 75 cents per kilogram.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 According to him the deceased had supplied ginger to Wah Zing for about last twelve years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He also supplied 8 to 9 tons of dalo at $2.50 to $3.00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
per kilogram.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Further they purchase 60 to 70 bags of cassava at $20.00 per bag from the deceased, a fact not mentioned by the plaintiff.
\par 
\par In cross-examination he said his company keeps records of amount}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 supplied by each farmer and what the company paid.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said he did not bring records and his figures were guess work.
\par 
\par This witness had access to records of amount supplied and payments made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He could if he had wanted and brought all the relevant records which would be of great assistance to the court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He did not.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He was playing a guessing game.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He has obviously dealt with a lot of farmers over a lot of years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It would be impossible for him to even vaguely remember production of each individual farmer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He gave me the impression of exaggerating the figures.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
I am unable to rely on figures he gave of amount of produce supplied by the deceased.
\par 
\par PW3 MAKARETA DOKONAIVALU is the daughter of the deceased who says she witnessed the actual accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
She said she used to live with her father and assist him on the farm a fact not challenged by the defendants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
She had come to Suva bus stop with her father, the deceased, and her mother (PW1).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
They had got off a bus and were going to cross the road to go to Discount Traders.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 When they reached an island in
 the road, her brother who is a bus driver called her father.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her father was about two meters from her.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 A Tebara bus was parked on the road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her father stood at right front side of that bus.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
She was looking at her father.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She heard the engine of the bus.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It hit him on the right shoulder.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
It lifted him up and threw him on the tar-seal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The bus which hit him was George Transport Company bus registered number AY 192.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The bus braked further in front.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Bus was travelling fast.
\par 
\par She assisted her father who was taken to CWM Hospital in a Telecom vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Her father had been talking to her brother for about three minutes before he was hit by the bus.
\par 
\par According to her, her father was a farmer and had contract with Wah Zing to sell ginger, dalo and cassava.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 They also 
sold at the market.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Their farm is 19 acres.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 They harvested 15 tons ginger every six months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Dalo was sold at $2.50 per kilogram.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her mother further sold at Suva earning $300.00 per week.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her father employed twenty workers on the farm to plant and to harvest ginger.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Planting took one week and harvesting two weeks.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 After her father\rquote s death, they left the farm, as there was no one to look after it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her father used to give her money.
\par 
\par In cross-examination she said that the Tebara bus was parked on one side of the bus lane and K.R. Latchan on the other.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
There was passage in between presumably for buses to go through.
\par 
\par The bus did not run over her father.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Her father was 63 years old but not sickly.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She thought the George Transport bus was travelling at 40 to 50 ki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 lomet}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 s per hour.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She said the bus is supposed to travel slowly because passengers get off there.
\par 
\par She said her father was a wealthy man.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 They used his money on the funeral.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He was taken to Beqa for funeral.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Money from ginger and dalo was used to pay for workers, furniture, house and generator.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Labourers were paid $15.00 a day.
\par 
\par In re-examination she said bus stopped about six meters from where it hit her father.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Her father was not standing on the path of the bus.
\par 
\par PW4 SALOTE MOCE had come to Suva to buy tapioca.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She was sitting in front left side of George Transport bus.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The bus was travelling at high speed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It collided with a man opposite the Flea market.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
A bus was parked on right and one on left side of the lane.
\par 
\par In cross-examination she said police did not listen to her when she reported the accident nor take her name down.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Deceased
\rquote s daughter came to her about three weeks after the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 George Transport was written on the bus.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She does not know how to drive.
\par 
\par PW5 PONIJESE SAULEKALEKA is an officer with Land Transport Authority.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
His evidence is relevant to the issue of ownership of the vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He testified on the basis of records at Land Transport Office.
\par 
\par He said the Land Transport Authority keeps records of Road Service Licenses (RSL) for all buses in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The RSL for George Transport Ltd is 12/6/65.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There are 23 buses registered under this RSL.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Vehicle number AY 192 is included in this list of 23 buses. City Transport Limited has RSL number 12/7/124.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 According to their records the vehicles regis
tered under George Transport Limited RSL 12/6/25 are also registered under RSL 12/7/124.
\par 
\par The person who comes to deal with Land Transport Authority deals in respect of both Companies.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The two companies have same residential address, same postal box, same telephone number and operate under one Bank account.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He produced a letter from George Transport Limited to support this.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In cross-examination he said the Land Transport Authority also keeps register of ownership of all vehicles in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 LTA documents show the vehicle AY 192 is owned by City Transport Limited since 1998.
\par 
\par PW6 APISALOME KULAVERE is the son of the deceased and was driving K.R. Latchan bus on the 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
 September 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said he was talking to his father who was standing on left side of road in front of Tebara bus.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The deceased was about ten meters away from him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Few buses went past.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
A George Transport bus came and braked in front.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He knew the driver by name Hassan.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He went out of his bus and saw his father lying on the other side.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He assumed his father had come into contact with the bus but he did not see the actual contact.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The bus stopped about ten meters away and its speed would be 30 to 40 kmph.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said the speed limit at the bus stop is 5 kmph.
\par 
\par He said one Moon from George Transport came with grog asking for forgiveness.
\par 
\par His father had a ten-acre farm.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said in good weather his father grew 20 tons of dalo and 20 tons of ginger.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I presume he is referring to per annum figures.
\par 
\par In cross-examination he said he was sitting in the driver\rquote s seat.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
There was a bus lane between his bus and where his father was standing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
His father was standing in front of Tebara bus and a meter away from it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 They had been talking for some time.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 His father did not step forward and hit the bus.
\par 
\par George Transport was written on the side of the bus.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He did not consider that there was risk to his father standing there and talking to him.
\par 
\par In re-examination he said about ten vehicles went past while they were talking.
\par 
\par DW1 KIRAN SINGH said on 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  September 2000 City Transport Limited owned bus AY 192.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He said Shaukat Ali the second defendant died on 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  November 2001.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He talked of some reconciliation with his brother Kamal Singh.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
In cross-examination he agreed that George Transport and City Transport are sister companies.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He knew that Kamal Singh alias Moon had presented grog and cash on day of accident.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 FACTS NOT IN DISPUTE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There is no dispute that an accident between the bus registered number AY 192 and the deceased occurred on 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  September 2000 at the Suva stand as a result of which the deceased died.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
It is also not in dispute that there was a K.R. Latchan bus parked on the right side of the bus lane and a Tebara bus on the left side.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There was a one way lane for the buses between the two parked buses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It is also not in dispute that the deceased before the impact was standing on the right front side of the Tebara bus.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 LIABILITY}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The defendants dispute liability alleging it was the deceased who stepped onto the path of the bus.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Before the impact PW1 who is deceased\rquote s wife, PW3 Makareta Dokonaivalu the deceased\rquote s daughter and PW6 Apisalome Kulavere the deceased\rquote 
s son say he was standing in front of Tebara bus and talking to his son.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The son put his distance in front of the bus at one meter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 PW3 the daughter said his f
ather had been talking to her brother for three minutes before he was hit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Her brother said they had been talking for 20 minutes and about ten vehicles went past.
\par 
\par I am of the view that PW6 is mistaken as to the length of time the two had been talking.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The
 deceased and his daughter were supposed to catch the ten o\rquote clock bus to Lomaivuna after visiting Discount Traders so it was unlikely the deceased would spend so much time talking to his son.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The son also said that some buses had gone past while they were talking so presumably the deceased was not standing in the path of the buses and was in position of reasonable safety.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Even though it was put to the daughter and the son that their father stepped onto the path of the bus, it was denied.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I understand there can be very strong motives of monetary gain to deny this.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 However, I have no doubt that they told the truth when they said their father did not step onto the path of the bus.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The daughter was only about two meters away from her father at time of the impact and was looking at him.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She had a clear view of what transpired.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She left a very strong impression of an ordinary rustic woman who gave an honest account of what transpired in front of her eyes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Further had the deceased stepped onto the path of the bus, he would not have been thrown sideways but rather in front of the bus.
\par 
\par PW6 the son of the deceased who is himself a bus driver put the speed of the bus at 30 to 40 kmph.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
While this per se is not an excessive speed, given the situation of a bus stand and its busy nature where passengers have to cross bus lanes to get out of bus stand area, an extreme caution is necessary from drivers at the Suva bus stand.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Accordingly I conclude that the accident was caused by the speed and driver\rquote s inattention in seeing the
 presence of the deceased on the road which led to the impact and the accident was not caused by the deceased suddenly stepping onto the path of the bus or the side of the bus.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The next issue is contributory negligence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The decea
sed was standing on a bus lane on a road talking to his son.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He had also been talking for some time while buses went past.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There was a Tebara bus immediately to his right from which direction other buses were coming.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 His presence on the road would be unknown to an incoming driver because the vision would be blocked by the Tebara bus.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par Roads and bus lanes are meant for buses to travel on and for pedestrian to cross when it is safe to do so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
A pedestrian is supposed to spend the minimum possible time on the road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The bus stand at Suva is a very busy road.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It is not a place where one should stand and conduct a conversation which the deceased was doing.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 He could easily have gone into the bus his son was driving or stood off the road.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 By standing on the bus lane,
 he had ignored some very basic rules of his own safety and which should be obvious to anyone who took reasonable care of his own safety.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In that way he contributed to the mishap.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I am of the view that his contribution to the accident can reasonably be placed at 50 percent.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 OWNERSHIP}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The defendant says it is not the owner of the vehicle but City Transport Limited is.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 At the Land Transport Office, the vehicle AY 192 is registered in the name of City Transport Limited.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The claim in the present proceedings is under the common law not under the Land Transport Act.
\par 
\par Section 49(1) of the Land Transport Act makes registration of the vehicles by the owners compulsory.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
For the purposes of the Land Transport Act, the word owner is defined in Section 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Section 2 commences with the word }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In this Act}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
 unless the context otherwise requires\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  and then it sets out definitions of various words including the word }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93owner\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  and it sets out who for purposes of the Act and can be considered owners.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \lquote Owner\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  has been given an exte
nded meaning in the Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The owner for the purposes of the Act includes }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93a person in lawful possession\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 However we are concerned with the concept of owner under the common law.
\par 
\par The unchallenged evidence in the present case is that City Transport Limited and George Transport Limited are sister companies which use the same set of buses including the bus subject of present proceedings AY 192.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The bus had the words George Transport painted on its side and that is how the witnesses identified it.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There is no denial that George Transport Limited was using the bus at the material time for its purposes.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There is no denial that the driver was employed by it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 These facts would be within the peculiar knowledge of the defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The defendant\rquote s witness who is a director of George Transport did not deny this.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The arrangement to use vehicles interchangeably only confirms that George Transport was using the bus for its purposes and profit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 One does not necessarily have to be the registered owner of a vehicle with the Transport Office before liability can be sheeted home.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
I am of the view that had City Transport Limited been made a defendant instead of George Transport Limited, City would have turned around and said that the bus was used by George Transport Limited for its purposes and not in the interests of City.
\par 
\par The defendant\rquote s witness Kiran Singh said that the two companies had separate account.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He did not provide the court with the separate account numbers nor was this fact disputed when the Land Transport Officer gave his evidence.
\par 
\par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Sada Nand v. Ram Indra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  FCA 35 of 1991 the court observed}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93
Finally we might say a word whether registration of a vehicle under the provisions of the Traffic Act established (I) ownership, (ii) is necessary to establish ownership; (iii) is conclusive evidence of ownership; (iv) is merely evidence of ownership.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Whilst it is unnecessary for the purposes of this appeal to do so, we nevertheless }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 point}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  out, that (iv) above clearly the situation.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Even though the above remarks are obiter, I adopt them.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Registration with the Land Transport Authority is not the conclusive evidence of proprietary rights at common law.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
One has to consider other facts as well.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par Having looked at all the facts, I am of the view that George transport Limited was the owner at common law.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 DAMAGES}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The damages that may be claimed by the estate under Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Death and Interest) Act are limited to the damages which arose before the death or as a result of the death of the deceased.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Generally speaking damages which are claimed under Cap 27 are dealt with under following headings}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Loss of expectation of life -
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There is no acknowledged criteria for calculating the monetary value of such loss.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 This loss is something personal to the deceased.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 No one can say with certainty that }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93
by his untimely death, he was denied happiness or was spared unhappiness\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  Lord Morris in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Yorkshire Electricity Board v. Naylor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  (1967) 2 ALL ER 1 at page 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In Fiji the awards for loss of expectation of life are limited to a moderate nominal sum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Daya Ram v. Peni Cara & Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  
\endash  (1983) 29 FLR 147 a sum of $1,250.00 was awarded. In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Bibi Nanson v.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Ramesh Chand}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  where death had occurred in 1990 again a sum of $1,250.00 was awarded.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 With the passage of time an increase in this figure is inevitable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Accordingly I grant a sum of $2,500.00 for loss of expectation of life.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 (b)\tab Funeral Expenses -
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The plaintiff has claimed $2,500.00 under this item.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 No serious challenge is made to this figure.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The Act itself does not give any assistance as to what constitutes funeral expenses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I am of the view that all expenses incurred in ceremonial burial or cremation of a corpse are recoverable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Some traditional and customary ceremonies are integral part of a burial ceremony and expenses for these can be claimed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I allow $2,000.00 under this head.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 (c)\tab Pain and Suffering \endash 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There was no direct evidence of this fact.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 All I know is that the deceased was hit by a bus on 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  and died the next day.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Some injuries with consequent pain are inevitable. However in view of sparse evidence on this, I allow a nominal sum of $1,000.00.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart4\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Exemplary damages \endash 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10884819 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The plaintiff
\rquote s submissions include a claim for this.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Such damages cannot be claimed \endash  see Section 2(2) of the Act.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Even if the plaintiff could claim, I would not have granted any exemplary damages as the defendant\rquote 
s conduct was merely negligent and not outrageous to deserve punitive sanctions.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12925357 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 CLAIMS UNDER COMPENSATION TO RELATIVES ACT}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The plaintiff\rquote s pleadings are marked by singular lack of detail.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There is no mention of the Compensation to Relatives Act in the prayer itself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The defendant\rquote s are saying this is fatal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
However, it must be noted that in paragraph 13 of the statement of claim the allegation is made that the widow and children of the deceased were wholly dependant on the deceased for support.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It also appears from the defendant\rquote 
s submissions that Section 9 of the Act was not complied with as particulars of children and nature of claim were not supplied to the defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 These details are normally incorporated in the statement of claim but from the wording of the section it appears that it can be done separately.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I do not consider that the defendants are entirely blameless either.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 These issues could be raised and should have been raised during the pre-trial conference.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The defendants took no exception to evidence being led in support of paragraph 13 of the statement of claim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The defendants knew very well where the evidence was directed at.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The witnesses were cross-examined on this aspect.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
There was no prejudice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
While I do not condone lack of thoroughness in pleadings, I deem it just that relief under this head should be granted.
\par 
\par An action under this Act (Cap. 29) lies for the benefit of the wife, husband, parent and child of the deceased \endash  Section 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The court is empowered to give }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93
such damages as are considered proportioned to the injury resulting from the death\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  Section 7.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The basis of the damages is the pecuniary loss caused to the relatives of the deceased.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In estimating this pecuniary loss the reasonable expectation of the relatives from the deceased and the probable pecuniary loss have to be taken into account \endash  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Taff Vale Railway Company v. Jenkins}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  1913 AC 1 but damages cannot be awarded for }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \'93solatium, that is to say, damages given for injured feelings or on ground of sentiment\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 So plaintiff\rquote s claim for bereavement and shock cannot be allowed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The damages for pecuniary loss sustained by the relatives of the deceased are ascertained by determining the extent of family\rquote s dep}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 ende}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 ncy on the deceased.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The dependency of the family on the deceased can be calculated by deducting from the nett earnings the sum which the deceased spent exclusively on himself and others apart from his family \endash  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Harris v. Empress Motors Limited}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  1983 3 ALL ER 531.
\par 
\par The defendant was 63 years old and according to his daughter, a healthy man.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
He was a farmer and therefore used to do outdoor work.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
There is no compulsory retiring age for farmers who generally keep working even though at a lesser pace as age keeps marching on.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The concept of stop work on a predetermined age common to civil servants is unheard of in the agricultural community.
\par 
\par The deceased was a farmer with no fixed but rather fluctuating earnings depending on weather.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The court in the absence of any record was not assisted much due to the different production figures given by different witnesses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In the case of ginger the widow PW1 put the production at three to fifteen tons in examination in chief and in cross-examination said six to seven tons.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 PW2 AMI CHAND put it to fifteen to twenty tons and in good years thirty tons.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The daughter PW3 put it to fifteen tons and the son PW6 at twenty tons.
\par 
\par I had a wide range of figures when it came to annual production figures for dalo.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In respect of dalo the widow PW1 put t
he figure for dalo at fifteen tons every six months in examination in chief.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
In cross-examination she put the figure at six to seven tons in ten months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Ami Chand PW2 put the figure at eight to nine tons per annum while PW6 the son of the deceased who spent very little time on the farm put it at twenty tons.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 According to the widow she also sold some dalo, cassava and rourou at the market.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She earned $200.00 per week from sales at the market.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
This of course could depend on the availability of the produce.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Th
ere is no reason why she could not have continued planting on small scale for sale at market.
\par 
\par I consider a figure of twenty tons per ton per annum as exaggerated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
The widow probably had the right figure of six to seven tons per annum or 6,000 to 7,000 kilogram per annum.\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
I have calculated loss on basis of 6,000 kilograms.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
This would give a gross earnings of roughly $15,000.00 at $2.50 per kilogram.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
However, there would be expenses involved in the form of getting the fields ready, seedlings, fertilizers, cultivation and transport to market centres.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I would therefore put the nett annual income at forty percent of the above that is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357  $6,000.00 per annum from dalo.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par 
\par As far as ginger is concerned, the figures varied enormously from three tons to twenty tons.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 No records were supplied.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Ginger requires intensive farming.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I conclude that the annual ginger production would be no more than fifteen tons.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The only certain thing is the price of ginger is $420.00 per ton which would give a gross figure of $6,300.00 per annum for ginger.
\par 
\par According to the daughter they used twenty people to plant and harvest ginger the total time for these two activities was three weeks and they paid a worker $15.00 a day.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 This would give an annual labour charges on ginger 20 x 15 x 15 assuming a week was a five-day week giving a total of $4,500.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 There would be some transport expenses too say $200.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
So taking out all the expenses the nett annual loss from ginger would be roughly $1,600.00.
\par 
\par There were three persons who lived together, the father, mother and daughter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
I have no evidence before me to say how much of the income the deceased spent exclusively on himself for his own personal needs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 However, I can safely presume that he would spend some money on socializing locally on things like grog, clothing etc.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I would put this at ten percent of the total nett income.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Of the balance, I would say the combined wife\rquote s and daughter\rquote s dependency on the deceased would be sixty percent having equally divided the balance of 90%.
\par 
\par The next issue is that of multiplier.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The deceased was 63 years old.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 However, he was a farmer with no sickness.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Unlike salary earners in white-collar jobs, there is no such thing as a retiring age for farmers in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
They generally keep working though their entire lives.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Gi
ven that the deceased was at the time of death in a reasonable state of health, it is reasonable to adopt a multiplier of 6.
\par 
\par I have reached the nett annual loss from ginger is $1,600.00; for dalo a nett annual loss of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 $6,000.00 per annum.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Of this sum I ha
ve already concluded that the dependency of the mother and daughter would be sixty percent so the total annual dependency or loss would be sixty percent of $7,600.00 that is $4,560.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Given a multiplier of 6, the total comes to $27,360.00 for a period of six years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The pre-judgment loss would be for a period of 32 months which would be $12,160.00 and post judgment future loss is $15,200.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Interest would only be allowed on $12,160.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 LOSS OF CONSORTIUM:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The plaintiff who is elderly is unlikely to marry again, the daughter who lived with them would probably marry and move out.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 She would be left alone.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
However, I was not told anything about the nature or quality of companionship or relationship between the deceased and the wife and which would have assisted me in making a proper on award.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 All I know is that they were married for forty years and had three children.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Abdul Hafeez Ismail v. The Medical Superintendent & the Attorney-General of Fiji}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  HBC 310 of 1998 Justice Shameem awarded a sum of $5,000.00 under this head for death of wife aged 38 years and who had three children.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
I am at a particular disadvantage given the sparsity of evidence on this aspect of case so all I award is a nominal sum of $2,500.00
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Interest and costs}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Section 37 Law Reform (M
iscellaneous Provisions)(Death and Interest) Act gives the court discretion to award interest at such rate and for such period between the date when the cause of action arose and the date of judgment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 I am minded to permit interest to accrue from the date of filing of the writ that is from 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  May 2003, at a rate of five percent per annum.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 CALCULATIONS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 (a)\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 
Loss of expectation of life\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 -\tab $2,500.00
\par (b)\tab Funeral expenses\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab -\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 2,000.00
\par (c)\tab Pain and suffering\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab -\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 1,000.00
\par (d)\tab Pre-judgment loss of earning\tab \tab \tab \tab -\tab 12,160.00
\par (e)\tab Post-judgment loss of earning\tab \tab \tab \tab -\tab 15,200.00
\par (f)\tab Loss of consortium\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab -\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 2,500.00
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Interest on (b) and (d) at 5% per annum
\par for 21 months\tab \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 \tab \tab \tab -\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 1,239.00
\par \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab --}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 ---------------}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par \tab \tab }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 TOTAL\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab =}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
$36,599.00
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab ==========}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The award for loss of expectation of life is a benefit which accrues to the dependents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 It must therefore be deducted from award under Compensation to Relatives Act otherwise there would be duplicating of the sum - }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 Davies v. Powell Duffryn Associated Coliries Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  1942 AC 601 and applied in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The Medical}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Superintendent & Attorney General v. Abdul Hafeez Ismail}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  \endash  FAC 50 of 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 The effect therefore is that the total sum of $36,599.00 is reduced by $2,500.00, that is, it now stands at $34,099.00.
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\par Since I found that the deceased\rquote s contribution to the accident at 50%, the total award would therefore be $17,049.50.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
I also award costs which I fix at $2,200.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
Accordingly I enter judgment for the sum of $17,049.50 together with costs assessed at $2,200.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10884819 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid12925357 [ Jiten Singh ]
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12925357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid12925357 At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10884819 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925357\charrsid10884819  June 2004
\par }}