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\f38\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 ACTION NO. HBC}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 0}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 426D OF 2002S
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\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 TAVATAVANAWAI}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 of}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Namulomulo,}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Vugalei, Tailevu.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Unemployed.
\par PLAINTIFF
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\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 
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\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 of Waila, Nausori. Farmer.
\par DEFENDANT
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par Counsel for the Plaintiff:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 E. Veretawatini}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 : }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 E. Veretawatini Esq.
\par Counsel for the Defendant:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 A.K. Singh}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 : }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Messrs A.K. Singh Law
\par 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 Date of Decision}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 29 June, 2004
\par Time of Decision:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 9.30 a.m.
\par 
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\f0\ulnone\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 DECISIO}{\f0\ulnone\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 N
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On 2 December 2002, the Plaintiff obtained default judgment against the Defendant after the latter had failed to file notice of intention to defend.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Consequent summons for assessment of damages was filed on 6 December 2002 and the affidavit of service followed on 9 December 2002.
\par 
\par This is the Defendant\rquote s motion for the following reliefs}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 :}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669 
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 that the interlocutory judgment entered on 2 December 2002 herein against the Applicant/Defendant be set aside;
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 that the Applicant/Defendant do have unconditional leave to defend the action; and 
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{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid290507 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 An Order}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
 that all further proceedings including assessment of damages therein be stayed until final determination of this matter.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
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\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Background}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par 
\par The Defendant is a farmer of some 7 acres of native land.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Apart from vegetables, the Defendant cultivated a cassava plot.}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 After the Coup of 2000, which resulted in the departure of the Defendant\rquote 
s contractor responsible for harvesting/pulling of cassava, the Defendant obtained in the contractor\rquote s place, the services of the Plaintiff.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The Plaintiff is the Defendant\rquote s neighbour.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
The parties entered into an oral agreement whereby the Plaintiff was expected to harvest the Defendant'\rquote  cassava and packed them into bags.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 For each bagful, the Defendant paid the Plaintiff $2.00.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
In addition, the Defendant provided to the Plaintiff all the implements, including forks and spades, to assist in the job.
\par 
\par What happened to the Plaintiff sometime afterwards is a matter of dispute between the parties.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
In his Statement of Claim, the Plaintiff alleged that }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 on or about the 3rd day of August 2001}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 , }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 while lifting full bags of
 cassava, he felt a sharp severe pain in his chest.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 According to the Plaintiff, he }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 became completely paralysed while at the Nausori Health Centre}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  and at the CWM Hospital, }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 a C.T. Myelogram demonstrated a complete block at the 5th and 6th Thoracic Vertebrae level.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The Plaintiff went on in his claim to say that}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par 
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\tab }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 He}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
 had Laminectomy and Spinal Decompression on the 9th day of August 2001, which confirmed Spinal Epidural Abscess.
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 11.\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-660\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart11\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid290507 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 As}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
 a result of incontinence, he had also developed Neurogenic Bowel and Urinary Bladder.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par All these ailments, according to the Plaintiff, he suffered and was brought about by the Defendant\rquote s negligence in his failure to provide safe work conditions, including proper tools and implements.
\par 
\par The Defendant\rquote s version is that the Plaintiff\rquote s present state of ill health was brought about by a stroke he suffered upon his return from watching a rugby match at Lautoka in later July 2001.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The stroke was not brought about by lifting heavy loads such as bags of cassava at the Defendant\rquote s farm.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 In any case, the agreement was for the Plaintiff to harvest and fill bags, not to lift bagfuls of cassava on to the truck.}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 At the most, the Plaintiff argued, the Defendant would harvest between 4 to 5 bags of cassava in a day.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Application to Strike Out}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par 
\par The law is set out by the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Wearsmart Textiles Limited v. General Machinery Hire Limited & Ors}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507 
. Civil Appeal No. ABU00}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 30}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507 .19}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 97S.
\par 
\par On the facts of this case, there can be no argument that the interlocutory default judgment was regularly entered, and that pursuant to Order 13 r.2 of the High Court Rules.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The Plaintiff has correctly proceeded with summons for assessment of damages and costs.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The Defendant does not therefore have the right to have the judgment set aside.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 There remains only the discretionary powers of the Court to intervene under Order 13 r.10 and O.19 r.9 of the High Court Rules.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The reason for the existence of these powers is explained by Lord Atkin in }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Evans v. Bartlam}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507  (}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 1937}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507 )}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  AC at p.480 as follows}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid290507 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
The principle obviou
sly is that unless and until the Court has pronounced judgment upon merits or by consent, it is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has been obtained by a failure to follow any of the rules of procedure.}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par A default judgment, even when regularly obtained is not, as the Fiji Court of Appeal pointed out in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Wesrsmart}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  Case, }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 a judgment}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  upon }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 merits}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par The general principles that guide the Court in considering whether to set aside a default judgment that has been regularly obtained, is set out in the Supreme Court Practice 1997 Volume 1 (White Book) at p.143, and adopted by the Court in }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Wearsmart}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The emphasis and the major consideration for the purpose of setting aside a default judgment, is that the Defendant must show that it has a meritorious defence.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The meaning or standard is set down in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
Alpine Bulk Transport Co. Inc. v. Saudi Eagle Shipping Co. Inc}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 .; }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The Saudi Eagle}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  [1986] 2 Lloyds Rep. 221.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The English Cour}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507 t of Appeal said, at p.223 that:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid290507 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
It was not sufficient to show merely }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 arguable}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  defence that would justify leave to defend under O.14; it must both have }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 a real prospect of success}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  and }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 carry some degree of conviction}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 .}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
Thus the Court must form a provisional view of the probable outcome of the action.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par In the earlier decision of }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Evans v. Bartlam}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
 (supra) the Court had set out other considerations that may guide the Court in the exercise of its discretion.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
These include whether there are reasonable explanations why judgment was allowed to be entered by default, and whether the application to set aside was made promptly and within a reasonable time.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 As to whether the Defendant has reasonable explanations why the judgment was allowed to be entered by default the Defendant conceded that he had received some document
s from a girl employed by the Plaintiff\rquote s solicitors on 10 October 2002 but she did not explain the documents nor the contents when asked, even although he understood Chinese and Fijian languages only.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Only when he was next served with Plaintiff\rquote s summons 
for assessment of damages on 7 January, 2003 did he go and see his solicitors.
\par 
\par While there is no rigid rule that the Defendant has to satisfy the Court that there is a reasonable explanation why the judgment went to default, the reasons when offered may be given regards to by the Court when exercising its discretion.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
In this instance, the fact that the Defendant did not understand the language of the documents served on him, is not an excuse of itself to prevent him from seeking legal advise, which he subsequently did when served with the second batch of documents.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 I am therefore not at all satisfied with the Defendant\rquote 
s explanation as to why he had allowed judgment to go by default}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par 
\par On whether the application to set aside had been made promptly and within a reasonable time, it is evident that upon being served with the Plaintiff\rquote s summons on 7 January, 2003, he had sought legal assistance straightaway.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Through his solicitors, he was then able to file his Motion to set aside supported by his affidavit and a
 draft statement of defence and counterclaim on 13 January 2003 only 6 days after receiving the Summons.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
It could not be said, under these circumstances, that the Defendant had not acted promptly and although he had received the Writ, some 3 months earlier
, the fact that he had, with his solicitors, acted at once upon the receipt of the Summons, in my view is acceptable as within a reasonable time.
\par 
\par Finally, whether there is merit in the defence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 The principles to be applied in the exercise of the Court\rquote s d
iscretion, is discussed above in reference to the }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Wearsmart}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  and }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Alpine Bulk Transport Co. Inc}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 . (supra).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 In this case, the Defendant in both his affidavit in support, and in the draft defence, disputes all the allegations that form the basis of the Plaintiff\rquote s claims.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 In addition, the sequence of events leading up to the hospitalisation and the subsequent }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 paralysis}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507 '}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507  that the Plaintiff suffered as a result do not necessary fall into a synchronological order, from the Defendant\rquote s standpoint.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 There is also the vagueness that surrounds the Plaintiff\rquote 
s claim and especially his medical conditions, as set out in his statement of claim.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
Medical conditions and terms have been used freely by the Plaintiff without as much as connecting such conditions to his total health and mental state and more importantly the causal link with the Defendant\rquote s alleged negligence.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Certainly, there is a need to bring some clarity if not certainty to the issues in the pleadings.
\par 
\par In the end, I am satisfied that the Defendant has shown through his affidavit and the draft defence, that he has a defence on the merits, which disclose triable issues which should be allowed to go to trial.
\par 
\par Order is made for the judgment entered on 2 December 2002 to be set aside.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid290507\charrsid290507  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 Leave is granted to the Defenda
nt to file his statement of defence within 14 days.
\par 
\par Costs of $250.00 is awarded to the Plaintiff, payable within 7 days.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 F. Jitoko
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 JUDGE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid290507 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8133669\charrsid290507 
\par At Suva
\par 29 June 2004
\par }}