{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f128\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f129\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f131\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f132\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f133\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f134\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f135\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f136\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb216\sl288\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 2;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 3;}{
\s17\ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\sl-132\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style 1;}{\s18\ql \li144\ri0\sb288\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin144\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Style 4;}{\*\cs19 \additive \ul\cf2 \sbasedon10 \styrsid938150 Hyperlink;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid605122\rsid812341\rsid870668\rsid938150
\rsid2711280\rsid3808867\rsid4268879\rsid5596742\rsid5601914\rsid5981634\rsid6236809\rsid7436736\rsid8129761\rsid8196659\rsid9898027\rsid9903726\rsid10967022\rsid12263859\rsid12404522\rsid14025039\rsid16023331}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}
{\info{\author sam_f}{\operator sam_f}{\creatim\yr2011\mo6\dy24\hr14\min23}{\revtim\yr2011\mo6\dy27\hr17\min32}{\version13}{\edmins176}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1493}{\nofchars8512}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws9986}{\vern24689}}\margl1797\margr1797 
\deftab284\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot8129761 \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7436736\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 Civil Action No. 36 of 2009
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 MOHAMMED FARUD }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 also known as }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 MOHAMMED FAROOD }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7436736 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 trading as }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 FAROOD'S ALARMS & AUTOPARTS
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 WILLIAMS & GOSLING LTD
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150\charrsid938150 
\par Before: Master Anare Tuilevuka
\par Solicitors: M.C Lawyers for the plaintiff
\par Mitchell Keil & Associates for the Defendant
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150\charrsid938150 Date of Ruling: 21 June 2011
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150\charrsid938150 RULING
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid938150 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 BACKGROUND
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 [1]. The plaintiff }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 (}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150\charrsid938150 "Farud"}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 )}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150\charrsid938150  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 had exported some s
pare parts to Kiribati. The consignee in Kiribati is Gaming Trading. Farud's export broker in Fiji was Cargocare Fiji }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 ("Cargocare"). }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
On 4 June 2008, Cargocare had gone to William}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6236809 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150  & Goslings to make arrangements for the shipment of Farud's spare parts to G
aming Trading in Kiribati.
\par 
\par [2]. Later that same month, on 27 June 2008, Cargocare prepared four bills of lading for Farud's shipment. These bills are numbered SVTRW 102, 103, 104 and 105 all dated 27 June 2008. On the same day, Cargocare handed over to Fa
rud the original bill of lading. This was done for Farud to clear his goods to the consignee in Kiribati.
\par 
\par [3]. The bills identify Kiribati Shipping Services Limited }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6236809 ("KSSL")}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6236809  as the carrier. The bills were a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2711280 lso signed by Williams & Gosling}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6236809  as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 agent of KSSL
. Farud is identified as the shipper and Gaming Trading as the consignee.
\par 
\par [4]. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879 Farud does not deny having received the original bill of sale from Cargocare on the above date for the above purpose.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879 THE STATEMENT OF CLAIM
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879 [5]. I observe that Farud's claim does not raise any issues about the handling or the packing of the goods in Fiji. Nor does he raise any allegation about the parts being damaged on shipment }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879 en route }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879 from Fiji to Kiribati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4268879\charrsid4268879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 [6]. Rather, Farud all}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7436736 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 ges that William}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7436736 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 
 & Gosling or its agent in Kiribati, in breach of the terms of the bill of lading, released the goods to Gaming Trading in Kiribati without any authority from Farud.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid938150 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 
\par [7]. Farud says he clearly instructed Williams & Gosling }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 in Fiji not to release t
he goods to KSSL in Kiribati until he directs so. The standard shipping procedure is that goods are withheld by the carrier at the point of shipment and are only released when evidence of payment is produced by the consignee and upon verification by the s
h
ipper (Farud). This evidence may be in the form of the presentation by the consignee of the original bill of lading. Otherwise, if there is an arrangement for payment between the shipper and the consignee, clearance for the release of the consignment may 
be in the form of the presentation of an endorsement on the document directing the release.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10967022 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 
\par [8]. As a result of the above breach, Farud claims that he has suffered a direct loss in not being paid the purchase price for the consignment which amounts to FJD$235,893.17.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 APPLICATION
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 [9]. Williams & Gosling wishes to obtain an order to strike out Farud's statement. The application is made pursuant to }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 Orders 18, 32 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 and }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 59}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027  of the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 High Court Rules 1988}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027  and is based on two principal grounds.
\par 
\par [10]. The first ground is that Williams & Gosling cannot be sued as it signed the bills of lading as }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 agent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 
of the carrier, KSSL. This fact was quite well known to Farud. Therefore, the action is frivolous and vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court.
\par 
\par [11]. The second ground is the argument that, under the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 Sea Carriage of Goods Act [Ca}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 p. 231] }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 and based on the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 doctrine of forum conveniens }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 
(i) the law of Kiribati is to be applied in the determination of the issues raised by Farud, and (ii) that Kiribati is in any event, the more appropriate forum of the two countries where this action should be tried.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898027 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 ANALYSIS
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 [12]. Mr. Prasad's well researched submissions relying on the principle of disclosed principal and indemnity under the bill of lading are commendable.
\par 
\par [13]. Under the former, the gist is that in law, whether or not an agent is to be held liable for obligations purportedly incurred for and on behalf of his principle will depend on whether or not the agent sufficiently discloses the nature of his agency (
i.e. the fact that he acts for and on behalf of another). If the agent does not disclose the nature of his agency and thus does not di}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid605122 sclose the name of his principal}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 , the agent may be held personally liable for his actions. If, however, the agent disclosed
 his agency and the name of the principal (disclosed principal), he will normally not be held liable for commitments undertaken within his authorized agency (see }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 
Austrac Rail P/L v. Hunter Premium Funding Limited}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867  [2001] NSWSC 654; Bowstead & Reynolds on Agency (Sweet & Maxwell, 1996) 6}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid605122 th}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867  ed. At 548 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 and }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 Montgomerie v. United Kingdom Mutual Steamship Association}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867  [1891] 1 QB 370 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 at p.371 as per Wright J).
\par 
\par [14]. Under the latter, Mr. Prasad highlights clauses 1 and 3 of the bill of lading in question which purportedly grants immunity from suit to Williams & Gosling. He also cites various cases in support of his submissions (see }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 New Zealand Shipping Company Limited v. A. M. Satterthwaite & Company Limited}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867  ("The Eurymedon") [1975] AC 154, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 the Privy Council).
\par 
\par [15
]. The arguments are strong however I have some misgivings as to the appropriateness of summarily terminating the current proceedings on the above grounds. In my view, the applicability or otherwise of an exemption or immunity may sometimes be a triable m
atter. I think it does in this case.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16023331 [16]. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
As to Mr. Prasad's third submission, he argues that Kiribati and not Fiji is the natural forum for the litigation of this dispute. He relies on paragraph 5 of Yuen's second affidavit which deposes as follows:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3808867 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 The
 goods were delivered to Kiribati. The Consignee who has possession of the goods is based Kiribati. The circumstances which led to the goods being released in Kiribati is best known to the wharf employees, Consignee's employees and the employees of the pr
incipal, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8196659 Kiribati Shipping Services Limited. In the circumstances, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 Kiribati is a more convenient place for determination of this dispute.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14025039 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 [17]. The onus on Williams & Goslings to persuade the court that Fiji is not the natural forum (as per Inoke J in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 Good
Way Inc v. Wassa International Co. Ltd and Anor}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039  HC AK CIV 2007-404-000634 [2008] NZHC 463 (8 April 2008)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 ).
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5601914 [18}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 ]. I am bound by the provisions of the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
Sea Carriage of Goods Act (Cap. 231). Section 2 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 of the Act provides as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 Subject to the provisions
 of this Act, the rules contained in the Schedule (in this Act referred to as "the rules") shall have effect in relation to and in connexion with the carriage of goods by sea in ships carrying goods from any port in Fiji to any other port whether in or ou
tside Fiji.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14025039 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 [19]. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 Section 7(1) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 of the Act states:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
All parties to any bill of lading or document relating to the carriage of goods from any place in Fiji to any place outside Fiji shall be deemed to have intended to contract according to the laws in force
 at that place of shipment and any stipulation or agreement to the contrary or purporting to oust or lessen the jurisdiction of the courts of the bill of lading or document shall be illegal, null and void and of no effect.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14025039 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 [20]. Mr. Prasad submits that the laws of Kiribati, being the place of shipment, are clearly the law applicable. Furthermore, Kiribati is the forum conveniens for the following reasons:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 (i) of the two courts, Kiribati is the natural forum for the resolution of the dispute. He re}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid812341 i}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 terates paragraph 5 of Yuen's second affidavit (see paragraph 24 above).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 (ii) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
the real dispute is not in relation to packing/delivery or damaged in connection with the goods
. The dispute revolves around what happened to the goods after they were offloaded arrived safely in Kiribati. In particular, the questions: why were the goods released? How were the goods released? On whose authority were the goods released? Who released
 the goods? Where were the good}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid605122 s taken after the delivery was e}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 ffected?}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14025039 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 (iii) these are all questions that can be best answered by witnesses based in Kiribati.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 (iv) KSSL \endash  is a registered company in Kiribati. All alleged breaches of contract by KSSL occur
red in Kiribati. KSS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid812341 L staff, the consignee and wharf}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522  officials will be material witnesses in this matter. They are all based in Kiribati.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12404522 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 [21]. The above is further supported by the bill of lading which states as follows in its relevant part:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 Law and Jurisdiction}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522  \endash 
 Any suit to recover on any claim for loss or damage to the Goods carried hereunder }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 shall be brought only in the country where the Good}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2711280 
s are received for carriage or i}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 n the country where this contract calls for delivery}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 , provided that nothing in
 this bill of lading shall operate to deprive the carrier of any statutory protection or any defence, immunity, exemption, limitation of or exoneration from liability contained in the laws of New Zealand or any other country whose laws may be compulsorily
 applicable, alternatively, if all the parties agree, the claim may be referred to arbitration at a place to be agreed by the parties.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12404522 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 CONCLUSION
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 [22]. I am persuaded by Mr. Prasad's submissions based on }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 section 7(1) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 of the }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 Sea Carriage of Goods Act (Cap. 231) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 which finds support in the provisions on "Law and Jurisdiction" in the bill of lading. I find that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
(i) Kiribati being the place of shipment, the parties would have been deemed to have contracted in terms of the laws of that nation \endash  if such an issue had arisen as to whether the laws of Fiji or Kiribati should apply.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid870668 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
(ii) But such an issue does not even arise as the parties, by virtue of the bill of lading (see paragraph [21] above) had clearly contracted to have the laws of Kiribati applied.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid870668 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid870668 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 (iii)
 Having said that, the factors set out above in paragraph [20], in addition to the above, are cogent reasons why Kiribati is the natural forum for the determination}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859  of this action.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12404522 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid605122 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859 [23]. For the above reasons, I order that the current proceedings be perma
nently stayed. I award costs in favour of the defendant which I summarily assess at $500-00 (five hundred dollars). Farud is urged to institute proceedings in Kiribati.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859 ANARE TUILEVUKA
\par MASTER
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12263859 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859 At Lautoka
\par 21 June 2011}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263859\charrsid12263859 
\par }}