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(}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \f38\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par CIVIL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 ACTION NO. HBC}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 0} {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 511R OF 2002S \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 BETWEEN:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 NAIPOTE VERE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 of Lot 1 Princess Road, \par Nausori and farmer.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 PLAINTIFF \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 AND:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 MALAKAI VUETI}{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 of Namata Bau, \par Tailevu, labourer.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 DEFENDANT \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par Counsel for the Plaintiff:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In Person \par Counsel for the Defendant:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 A. Singh:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Mishra Prakash & Assoc. \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 \par Date of Ruling}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 25 May, 2004 \par Time of Ruling:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 9.30 a.m. \par \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782\charrsid2368782 RULING}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par This is an application by the Defendant to set aside the Default Judgment entered against him by the Plaintiff on 13 March 2003. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par On 5 December 2002, the Plaintiff filed his Writ of Summons against the Defendant alleging the latter of stopping him and his family from using the anchorage and landing known as }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Matadawa}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 landing along the Namata River in Tailevu, for the purpose of mooring.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Plaintiff owns a boat which provides him and his family\rquote s only access to his two farms in the area.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The action is in harassment and nuisance and breach of his individual right and freedom of access and enjoyment, the particulars of which are set out in his Writ.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Plaintiff claims special and exemplary damages with general damages not exceeding $100,000.00. \par \par On 6th December 2002, the Defendant according to the Plaintiff\rquote s affidavit of service, was personally served with the Writ at Goodenough Street in Suva, but he refused to accept it, and according to the process server, }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 threw it away}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 However, the Defendant was subsequently served through registered mail and the receipt is attached to the affidavit of service.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Defendant\rquote s argument is that the Post Office Box, to which the documents were sent, did not belong to him, but to the Village in which he resides.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 He nevertheless conceded that he had received some legal documents, but because he was not well educated, he had paid little regards to them. \par \par On 19 March, 2003, the Plaintiff entered default judgment, there being no appearance made by the Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Summons for assessment of damages was filed on 28 March 2003 and served on the Defendant in person on 4th April, 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Defendant finally made an appearance, in person, before the Registrar on 15th April, where he agreed to file submissions on damages. \par \par Mr Rameshwar Prakash of Mishra Prakash & Associates filed a Notice and entered an appearance for the Defendant on 4 August 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 On 14 August Counsel filed the Defendant\rquote s Summons to set aside the default judgment, and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2368782 \b\i\f38\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 2.\tab That leave be granted to the Defendant to file a Statement of Defence and defend the Claim; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-660\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 That all further proceedings for Assessment of Damages and Execution of Judgment be stayed until the determination of this application.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par The application is supported by the Defendant\rquote s affidavit and relies on Order 19 r. 9 and Order 47 rule 1 of the High Court Rules. \par }\pard\plain \s4\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \b\f38\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Court\rquote s Consideration \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par As to whether proper service had been made on the Defendant, the Court concludes from the evidence before it that this had been done and that the requirement of Order 10 of the High Court Rules had been complied with by the Plaintiff.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In the first place, there does not appear to be any doub t that the Defendant had actually taken possession of the Court documents when given him at Goodenough Street in Suva on 6 December, 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The fact that he, the Defendant, immediately thereafter }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 threw it away}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 as described by the Plaintiff, is his own problem and does not negate effective service.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 This Court notes with concern, the increase in the number of incidents where recipients have, as a show of defiant thrown away, in the face of process servers, legal documents served on them.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 This Court takes a serious view of such acts, which can constitute of their own, contempt of Court. \par \par Even if personal service on the Defendant of 6 December 2002 was to be deemed ineffective, then the postal service by registered mail to the Defendant\rquote s last known address namely, to his village at Namata, Tailevu was sufficient.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 It matters not that the post office box did not belong to the Defendant in person but registered to the Village headman }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 (}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Turaga ni Koro}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 ) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 on behalf of the members of the village.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 A common P.O. Box for all the members of the village, meets the legal requirement for postal service. \par \par A corollary to the finding that there has been effective service is that, subject to the Plaintiff observing the requirements of time for response, a regular default judgment maybe entered at his pleasure.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In this instance, the Court finds that the judgment of 19 March, 2003 was regularly obtained.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Under the circumstances, the Defendant does no longer have the right to have it set aside.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 It becomes a matter for the exercise of the Court\rquote s discretion. \par \par In the light of this finding, the Court will proceed to consider other grounds advanced by the Defendant, which may constitute matters that, in the Court exercise of its discretion, favours the Defendant\rquote s submission.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Alpine Bu lk Transport Co. Inc. v. Saudi Eagle Shipping Co. Inc; (The Saudi Eagle)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 [1986] 2 Lloyd\rquote s Rep. 221, the Court laid down the guideline in respect of the exercise of the Court \rquote s discretion as follows: (at p.223): \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 \b\i\f38\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 It is not sufficient to show a merely }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 arguable}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 defence that would justify lease to defend under Order 14; it must both have }{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 a real prospect of success}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 and carry some degree of conviction.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \f38\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In support of his case to set aside the Defendant argued that there were valid and adequate reasons why t he judgment was allowed to be entered by default; that he had acted promptly to apply to set aside the judgment; and at any rate there was merit in his defence. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnb1\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Adequate Reasons for Judgment to be Allowed to be Entered by Default}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In respect of the first ground, Counsel had attempted to show that the Defendant was not well educated and therefore not familiar with the Court processes and especially, the need to file appearance and defence to the action against him.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 However, as clearly shown from the Plaintiff\rquote s affidavits and also from the Defendant\rquote s affidavit himself of 3 December 2003, the Defendant did not seem to care much for legal documents served on him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 He certainly did not make any attempt to find out what they were or meant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Even an illiterate under the Defendant\rquote s circumstances, would have consulted a solicitor, or at the very least, someone who was in a position to explain the contents of the documents to him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The truth of the matter is that the Defendant failed to appreciate the contents of the documents served on him because he just simply refused to have any dealings with the Plaintiff.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 He cannot now come before this Court and plead innocence as the reason why he was unable to enter appearance and file his defence on time.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 This ground fails. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnb1\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Whether the Action to Set Aside was Made Promptly}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Summons to set aside was filed by the Defendant\rquote s solicitors, 5 months after default judgment had been entered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 This was after the Defendant had appeared before the Registrar on the Plaintiff\rquote s Summons for assessment of damages, and agreeing to file submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 While there had been delay as the Defendant to act, the solicitors who finally received the Defendant\rquote s brief, did not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Defendant\rquote s application was filed 10 days after appearance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Court is satisfied that the Defendant\rquote s application had been made promptly. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard\plain \s5\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \b\f38\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \f0\ulnone\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 3. \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Merits in the Defence \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Defendant\rquote s draft Statement of defence is premised on his denial that he owed a duty of care to the Plaintiff and in any case, even if he did, the losses suffered by the Plaintiff did not result from the breach of duty.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 There is also the issue of whether the anchorage and landing at which the incident occurred, is private or public property.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 These are mixed issues of facts and law upon which the question of liability or otherwise of the Defendant ultimately depends.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 I am satisfied that the Defendant has raised trialable issues which in turn satisfies the requirement of merit in the defence. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Counsel for the Defendant also argued that the Defendant will not su ffer irreparable harm if the judgment is set aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The facts of the case supports this contention.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Plaintiff may have initially suffered setbacks from the alleged breach committed by the Defendant, to his farming activities, but such a disruption would not have paralysed completely the Plaintiff\rquote s mobility to continue to service his farm from elsewhere.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Court agrees that the Plaintiff will not suffer irreparable harm should the default judgment be set aside. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15209861 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Finally there is the question, whether the Plaintiff, in accepting, after default judgment had been entered, the Fijian traditional rite of apologies and thereafter agreeing to a lesser sum of damages, had in fact approbated the judgment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 } {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The foundation of doctrine of approbation and reprobati on is that the person against whom it is applied has accepted a benefit from the matter he reprobates}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 [Editorial Note: }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Evans v. Bartlam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 [1937] 2 All ER 646].}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 While the Fijian traditional apologies cannot be equated strictly to English law concept of guilt and responsibilities; it does nevertheless tend to indicate blameworthiness between the parties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The fact of this case is that the Defendant had apologised through Fijian customary way for any wrongs that he may have been deemed to have committed against the Plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In return, the Plaintiff has accepted the apologies albeit partially, on the understanding that the damages allegedly caused by the Defendant will be reduced.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In the circumstances, that I have explained, this Court believes that it is only a ppropriate that its discretion should be exercised in favour of the Defendant to set aside the judgment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 I will however award costs to the Plaintiff as this process could have been easily avoided if the Defendant had not been obstinate and had asked for legal assistance much earlier. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15209861 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 In the final, this Court orders that the judgment of 19 March 2003 be and is hereby set aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368782 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 The Defendant is to file his defence within 14 days. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15209861 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 Costs of $200 against the Defendant to be paid within 14 days. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 F. Jitoko \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368782 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15209861\charrsid2368782 At Suva \par }}