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\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828208 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 [1979] 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14317456\charrsid3499125 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  FLR }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14317456\charrsid3499125 57}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 SUPREME COURT}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125  OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 Civil Jurisdiction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 BURNS PHILP (SOUTH}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 SEA) COMPANY LIMITED
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -v-}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 MARINE PACIFIC LIMITED
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 [SUPREME COURT, (Mishra J.) 16th January 1979)]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Contract for Carriage of Goods by Sea}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 
 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 deck cargo lost at sea}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 excluded by Bill of Lading).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 G.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 P. Shankar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  for Plaintiff
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 H. Lateef}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  for Defendant
\par 
\par Plaintiff, a dealer in merchandise sued the defendant an inter island carrier o
f goods for damages in respect of goods lost at sea while being carried from Suva to Labasa on defendant's barge. Except for some oil the cargo was carried on deck. The barge was towed by the vessel "Mooea", leaving Suva at 5 p.m. on 14 June 1977. At 5 a.
m. on 15 June the barge was observed to be listing, its stern almost level with the water. Examination showed the bulwark on the deck was broken and some goods, including fuel drums were missing. Two holes in the barge were open}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 there was a great quantity o
f water inside. Plaintiff claimed a breach of contractual duty by defendant in failing to ensure cargo was properly secured. Defendant denied this and claimed the benefit of an exclusion clause stamped on the Bill of Lading, viz
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 ....... cargo carried on 
deck at shipper's risk without responsibility for loss or damage howsoever caused."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The Bill of Lading stated }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
inter alia' that it "shall have effect subject to the ..... rules in the schedule in the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance Cap. 207 as applied by the said Ordinance."
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The Bill of Lading condition 26 stated:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 "All goods shipped as deck}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
 cargo to be carried at owner's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  risk".
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The definition of "goods" in the Rules is wide enough to include the plaintiffs' goods; but the definition continues
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12657657 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 ....... }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 except ..... cargo which by the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 contract is stated as being carried."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Referring to the Rules, the Court held that "goods" therefore must not only be so carried, but must also be stated in the bill of lading as }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  HYPERLINK http://being.so }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3159733\charrsid3499125 {\*\datafield 
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{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  so}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  carried.
\par 
\par Having regard to the exclusion clause supra, defendant argued the plaintiff could not recover. Plaintiff submitted that the clause was not sufficient to exclude negligence.
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5790631\charrsid3499125 Held:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Liabilit}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 y for negligence if any, and in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  the absence of fundamental breach (n
ot alleged) was covered by the exclusion clause in relation to the deck cargo.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Judgment for the defendant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264063 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 (Upheld on appeal.)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Cases referred to:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 John Carter v. Hanson Haulage}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (1965) 1 All E.R. 113
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Hunt and Winterbotham}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 West of England
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 ) }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  HYPERLINK http://Ltd.v.R.B.S.Parcels }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3159733\charrsid3499125 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b3800000068007400740070003a002f002f006c00740064002e0076002e0072002e0062002e0073002e00700061007200630065006c0073002f00000000000000}}}{\fldrslt {
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Ltd. v. B}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12068092\charrsid3499125 .R}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 .S. }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12068092\charrsid3499125 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Parcels}}}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12068092\charrsid3499125 )}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  Ltd. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 (1962) 2 W.L.R. 172.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Alderslade v. Hendon Laun}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 dry, Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
 (1945) 1 All E.R. 244
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Produce Meats v. Borthwick}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (1964) N.Z.L.R. 700
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Price and Co. v. Union L}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 ighterage Co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
. (1904) 1 K}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12326252\charrsid3499125 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 B. 412
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Joseph Travers & Sons Ltd. v. Cooper }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 (1915) 1 KB. 73
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Svenska Tra}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12068092\charrsid3499125 k}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
tor Akt v. Maritime Agencies (Southampton) Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (1953) 2 Q.B.D 295
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12326252\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 MISHRA, J:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9898925 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 Judgment
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Plaintiff is a dealer in merchandise and defendant is an inter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 island carrier of goods. Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
s claim is in respect of goods lost at sea while being carried by the defendant from Suva to Labasa.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The main facts are not in dispute. The goods in question were loaded on the defendant's barg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 
e "G.M.10" at Suva between 14th }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 and 15th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
June 1977. Other goods belonging to other shippers were also on it. Among the goods were several 44 gallon drums of fuel.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Inside the barge is a built}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
in tank into which some oil had been pumped, to be pumped out}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 at Labasa. The rest of the car
go was carried on deck. The barge left Suva at 5 p.m. towed by the vessel "Mooea". They steamed all night. At 2.30 a.m. near}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Levuka light house Emose, the Captain, handed over to one Lepper and went down to his cabin. Lepper sent for him at 5 a.m. He exami
ned the barge with the help of his binoculars. It seemed to be tilting to one side, its stern being almost level with the water. He steamed about three miles off his course and went inside the reef near Rukuruku in order to inspect the barge closely. Ther
e
 they went to the barge and found that part of the bulwark surrounding the deck had been broken and some of the goods were missing. Fuel drums had come loose from ropes and some were gone. Two holes in the barge were open and a great deal of water had gon
e inside. Pins which keep the lids in place had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4535074\charrsid3499125  come off and were hanging near }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 the lids.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Water was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 pumped out of the barge and the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
, remaining deck cargo properly secured. The "Mooea" and the barge left Ovalau the next day at 7 a.m. for Labasa with the remaining cargo.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Defendant admits that plaintiffs goods listed in the statement of claim were lost}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 at sea.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Plaintiff alleges breach of contractual duty in defendant's part in failin
g to ensure that the cargo in question was properly secured for such a voyage and also in failing to deliver that cargo at Labasa. They further allege breach of duty under the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Defendant denies these allegations and claims the protection of an exclusion clause inserted by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 them in the bill of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
lading. This clause stamped on the bill of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 lading which bears signatures of both parties is in following terms:

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid264063 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 "Carried on deck at shipper's risk without responsibility for loss or damage howsoever caused."

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par I will first deal with the is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3230430\charrsid3499125 ue of whether or}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  not the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance applies to the goods in question. Parties}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  have by agreement put in a sam}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 ple printed bill of lading which contains defendant's general conditions of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 carriage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
At the end it contains an express statement, as it is required by section 4 of the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance to do, that it "shall}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125  have effect subject to the pro}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 visions of the rules in the schedule in the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance Cap. 207, as applied by the said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125 
 Ordinance". The rules}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
contained in the schedule to the Ordinance, therefore, must apply unless it can be (shown that there is something in the contract of carriage which places plaintiffs goods outside the operation of those rules. Condition 26 of the bil}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 l of lading states-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid264063 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 "26. All goods shipped as deck cargo to be carried at Owner's risk."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Such a stipulation in the general conditions would, as a rul
e, be without effect and Article III of the Rules which defines responsibilities and liabilities of the parties would still apply by virtue of rule 8 of that Article. The Rules define "goods" as follows:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid264063 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 "'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
goods' includes goods, wares, merchandise, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 and articles of every kind what}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
soever, except live animals and cargo which by the contract of carriage is stated as being carried on deck and is so carried;"
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 To escape that operation of the Rules the goods in question must not only be carried on deck but must also be }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
stated}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  in the bill of lading as being so carried. As Pilcher J. said in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Svenska Traktor}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Akt. v. Mar}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 itime Ag}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 encies (Southampt}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 on) Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
 (1953) 2 Q.B.D. 295 at 300:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525118 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 "The policy of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1924 was to regulate the relationship 
between the shipowner and the owner of goods along well}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 known lines. In excluding form the definition of 'goods}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125 the carriage of which was sub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 ject to the Act, cargo carried on deck and stated 
to be so carried, the intention of the Act was, in my view, to leave the shipowner free to carry deck cargo on his own conditions, and unaffected by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 bligations imposed on him by the Act}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264063\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 in any case in which he would, apart from the Act, have been enti
tled to carry such cargo on signed it will full notice of it. This was done before the goods were taken to the wharf. According to Drala, plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 s shipping clerk, the two parties have dealt with each other for a considerable time and the plaintiff was f
ully aware of the exclusion clause. Unlike most ticket cases where the weaker party}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
has little choice or say in the matter, the parties here are both large business firms and were dealing on equal terms. Both knew that the goods would be carried on the deck of an open barge towed by a steamer."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par How}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 should then this clause be construed? Learned cou}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 sel for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 the defendant submits that the working of the exclusion clause is unambiguous and wide enough to cover everything including negligence. In any case, says
 he, there is no evidence of negligence on defendant's part. Plaintiffs
 counsel, on the other hand, contends that in a contract such as this negligence must be specifically stated in the clause if loss through negligence is to be excluded. General words, however wide, says he, cannot be sufficient to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5054470\charrsid3499125  cover negligence which he main}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 tains must be inferred from the evidence adduced.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 It is important, I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125  think, to determine first what }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 exactly defendant undertook to do. He is a common carrier and he contracted to carry plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  goods to Labasa. He, however, excluded strict liabilities that the law imposes upon the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 common carrier under the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance by stating on the bill of lading that the goods would be carried on deck and, in fact, carryi
ng them in that manner. Plaintiff cannot, therefore, demand from him the almost absolute liability that is imposed upon him under that Ordinance. To hold the contrary would be to deprive the exclusion clause of all significance.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 I do not, however, accept defendant's contention that he can never be liable, no matter how the goods are lost. If, for instan}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125 ce, there was such a misperfor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 mance as to destroy the whole core of the contract, the exclusion clause would}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 not avail the defenda
nt. If, to take an example instead of carrying the goods to Labasa he had carried them to Rotuma and lost them en route, he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4880916\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5198883\charrsid3499125 w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125 ould be lia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 ble.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 So would he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  if he had gone outside the con}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8471945\charrsid3499125 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 tract }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9898925\charrsid3499125 [sic] }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 and sold the goods for profit.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525118\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Was there such a misperformance as to amount to a fundamental breach of contract? No such breach }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
has specifically been,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  pleaded though there is a general allegation of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 failure to deliver the goods at }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Labasa. What is specifically pleaded is negligent performance of the contract.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
Can failure to deliver the goods at Labasa itself amount to a fundamental breach which would destroy the whole contract? Where a common carrier is an "insurer" in the eyes of law, as he would be under the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordin
ance, it might. Here, however, the contract excludes the operatio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270133\charrsid3499125 n of that Ordinance and the par}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
ties specifically agree that the cargo be carried on deck at the shippers' risk. In the absence of such agreement a common carrier may not stow cargo on deck (See }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
Halsbury's Laws of England }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 3rd Edn. Vol. 35 p. 394). By the agreement the shipper accepts risks which would normally}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 be excluded in case of a common carrier. In this case in my view, the dictum of Davies L.J. in }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 John Carter v. Hanson Haulage}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
 (1965) 1 All E.R. 113 at 123) which was not a case of Carriage of Goods by Sea would apply with equal force}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1458132 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 "In the first place, it is obvious that mere non}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 delivery cannot amount to a fun}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
damental breach; otherwise the c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 lause could never apply. For n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 on}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 delivery connotes loss and vice versa."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14946057\charrsid3499125 This would also appear to be the effect of the decision in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14946057\charrsid3499125 Hunt and Winterbotham (West of England) Ltd. v. B.R.
S}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3499125 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14946057\charrsid3499125  (Parcels) Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14946057\charrsid3499125  (1962) 2 W
.L.R. 172 where the Court held that the plaintiff had to prove a fundamental breach and could not merely rely on non-delivery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
\par 
\par In the instant case there is nothing in the evidence to show that the defendant deviated from the contract. On the contrary it shows that endeavour was made to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13723464\charrsid3499125  p}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 erform the contract as envisaged by the parties. The loss must be attributed either}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
to careless performance of the contract as claimed by the plaintiff or causes falling outside negligence as contended by the defendant. Had there been any deliberate, as opposed to careless, act on defendant's part cau
sing the loss it might have amounted to a fundamental breach but no such act is suggested by plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 s evidence.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 I must, therefore, hold that there was no fundamental breach of the contract on the part of the defendant. Had there been such a breach the 
words "loss or damage howsoever caused" would have afforded the defendant no protection. What then is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 the position in the absence of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  such a breach? Is the wording of the clause wide enough to include negligence or must it be confined to causes other than negligence?
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The principle to be applied was stated by Lord Greene in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Alderslade v. Hendon Laundry, Ltd.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (1945) 1 All E.R. 244 at 245):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4720191 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
"The effect of those authorities can I think be stated as follows: where the head of damage in respect of which limita
tion of liability is sought to be imposed by such a clause is one which rests on negligence and nothing else, the clause must be construed as extending to that head of damage, because if it were not so construed it would lack subject}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12657657\charrsid3499125 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 matter. Where, on the 
other hand, the head of damage may be based on some ground other than that of negligence, the general principle is that the clause must be confined to loss occurring through that other cause to the exclusion of loss arising through negligence. The reason 
for that is that is a contracting party wishes in such a case to limit his liability in respect of negligence, he must do so in clear terms, and in the absence of such clear terms the clause is to be construed as relating to a different kind of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 liability and not to liability based on negligence. A co}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
mon illustration of the principle is to be found in the case of common carriers. A common carrier is, to use a common expression though it may not be quite accurate, an insurer, and his liability in respect of a
rticles entrusted to him is not necessarily based on negligence at all. Accordingly, if a common carrier wishes to limit his liability for lost articles and does not make it quite clear that he is desiring to limit it in respect of his liability for negli
gence, then the clause will be construed as only extending to his liability on grounds other than negligence. But if, on the other hand, the carrier, not being a common carrier}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
 and being only under an obliga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 tion to take reasonable care, makes use of that cl
ause, then unless it is construed so as to cover the case of negligence there would be no content for it at all."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Hendon Laundry}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
 was not a case of carriage of goods and the exemption clause there was held to exclude liability for negligence.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The instant 
case is a case of carriage of goods by a common carrier. He has, however, effectively excluded his liability as an "insurer" by excluding the operation of the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance. He has contracted to carry goods on deck where goods may not no
rmally be carr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 ied by a common carrier without}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
 the shipper's consent. He has also stated on the bill of lading that fire goods are so carried. The shipper has not only consented to goods being so carried but has accepted the exclusion clause by signing immed
iately underneath. For purposes of these goods he must, in my view, be treated as "a carrier only under an obligation to take reasonable care".
\par 
\par As North P., while discussing the effect to an exc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4720191\charrsid3499125 lusion clause on relieving the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 defendant from liability for n
egligence, said in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Produce Meats v. Borthwick}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (1964) N.Z.L.R. 700 at 702:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1458132 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 "The principles of law}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 which require to be applie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 d in considering the first ques}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 tion are well enough understood. The difficulty lies in applying them to the facts of a particular case."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12346184 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 No authority has been referred to in the instant case where the effect of such an ex}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125 c}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 lusion clause }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  HYPERLINK http://fell.to }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3159733\charrsid3499125 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b2000000068007400740070003a002f002f00660065006c006c002e0074006f002f00000000000000}}
}{\fldrslt {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 fell }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 to}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
 be considered in relation to goods carried on deck outside the scope of the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance or simil}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 ar legislation. It seems illogi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 cal that the liability of a common carrier in relation to such goods should remain unchanged. In }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
Price and Co. v. Union Lighterage Co.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125  (1904) 1 K}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6569882\charrsid3499125 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 B. 412 where goods loaded on a barge were lost through the negligence of the 
defendant the Court of Appeal held that an exclusion clause exempting the defendant from liability "for any loss of or damage to goods which can be covered by insurance" was in general terms not expressely }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9322999\charrsid3499125 [sic] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 relating to negligence and did no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 
t, therefore, cover}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2828208\charrsid3499125  loss attri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125 but}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
able to negligence. The defendant was held liable. In the later case of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Joseph Travers & Sons}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1458132\charrsid3499125  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Ltd. v Cooper}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 (1915)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9322999\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 1 K}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6569882\charrsid3499125 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 B. 73 the exclusion cla
use exempted the barge owner from liability "for any damage to goods however caused which can be covered by insurance". The Court of Appeal, by a majority, held that the words "however caused" relieved the defendant from liability for damage caused by the
 negligence of his servant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
Both these cases were decided before the Hague Rules, now incorporated into the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance, came into force. These Rules were designed to regulate the common law relationship between the shipper and the carr
ier. The Rules specifically exclude from their operation goods stated to be carried on deck and in fact so carried. In respect of such goods the carrier is not an "insurer" and is required only to show reasonable care. In such a case, in my view, the word
s "howsoever caused" will, in the absence of any fundamental breach, cover the negligence of the defendant's servants.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 The evidence before me, on which both the parties rely, shows that, when the barge left Suva, the drums and other goods were tied down by
 ropes and covered with tarpaulin. I accept that it was in the rough seas near Nasilai that drums came loose and caused damage to the bulwark. They also dislodged the pins that kept the lids to the two holes in place. The coming loose of the drums in roug
h weather was the main cause of the loss of and damage to goods}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14777584\charrsid3499125 . The evidence discloses no fun}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 
damental breach of contract on the part of the defendant and to hold him responsible for such loss to deck cargo would be to impose upon him the liability of an "insurer" and deprive the
 exclusion clause of all its content. Plaintiffs counsel submits that Condition 5 at the back of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125  the bill of lading shows the essen}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 tial nature of the contract. That condition follows the Rules under the Sea Carriage of Goods Ordinance and would normally apply}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 to all cargo except deck cargo which has been expressly covered by the exclusion clause in this case.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4661011\charrsid3499125 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 I, therefore, hold that the plaintiff's claim, cannot succeed. It is dismissed with costs which will be taxed in default of agreement.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid144523 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346184\charrsid3499125 Judgment for the Defendant.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6117513\charrsid3499125 

\par }}