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\li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid1838223 TRANSLINK SHIPPING LIMITED \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10029115 v}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid1838223 COMPA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 GNIE WALLISIENNE de NAVIGATION S}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid1838223 ARL & ANR \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 [HIGH COURT, 1991 (Byrne J), 4 June] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1838223 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 Civil Jurisdiction \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2162881 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid1838223 Conflict of laws}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid1838223 - admiralty action}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid1838223 - whether Fiji or the Wallis Islands the forum conveniens. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Proceedings were commenced in Fiji to recover damages allegedly sustained following an incident in the Wallis Islands between two vessels neither of which was registered in Fiji. On application to discharge an interim injunction the High Court reviewed the law relating to "natural forum" and ordered the release of the applicant's vessel. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Cases cited: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Abidin Daver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1984] A.C. 398 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Allen v Jambo Holdings Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1980] 1W.L.R. 1252 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 American Cyanamid Co}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid8066040 . v Ethichon Co. Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 [1975] A.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 C. 396}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 The Atlantic Star}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1974] A.C. 436 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Atlantic Star}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1978] Q.B. 364 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040\charrsid8066040 Baroda v}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Wildenstein}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1972] 2 Q.B. 282 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Cl}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid8066040 ub Mediterran}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040\charrsid8066040 \'e9}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid8066040 e NZ v. Wendell}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 1989] 1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8854441 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 NZLR 216 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Oceanic Sun}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid8066040 Line Special Shipping Co Link v}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Fay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (1988) 62 ALJR 389}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Sim v Robinow}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (1892) 19 R. 665 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 Spi}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040\charrsid8066040 liada Maritime Corp. Cansulex Lt}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 d}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1987] 1 A.C, 460}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8066040 St. Pierre v South American Stores}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1936] 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 K.B. 382}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Interlocutory application in the High Court. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3952327 J.G. Singh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 for the Plaintiff \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3952327 S}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3952327 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3952327 Parshotam & S}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3952327 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3952327 Latee}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3952327 f}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 for the Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid1838223 Byrne J.: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par On the 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of May 1991 on an urgent ex parte application made by it I granted the Plaintiff a Mareva Injunction against the First Defendant restraining it by its agents or servants or otherwise from removing from the jurisdiction of this Court or otherwise disposing of or dealing with any of its assets within the jurisdiction including and in particular the ship Moana III save in so far as such assets did not exceed in value the sum of $253,460.00 claimed by a Writ o f Summons which had been issued in this Court on the 30th of May 1991.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The Statement of Claim on the basis of which, together with two supporting affidavits the injunction was issued, alleges the following relevant matters: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (1) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The Plaintiff is a Shipping Company registered in Vila, Vanuatu and was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223 at all relevant times the char}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 terer of the Danish registered vessel Coral Link.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838223\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (2) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The First Defendant is a Shipping Company registered in Wallis Island and was at all relevant times the owner of the French registered vessel Moana III.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (3) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The Second Defendant Michel Dewas was at all relevant times the Master of Moana III. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (4) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 On Sunday 26th of May 1991, Coral Link, in the possession of the Plaintiff, was lawfully berthed at the wharf at Mata Utu, Wallis Island. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (5) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 At about 0730 hours on the 26th of May 1991 the Second Defendant: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2438861 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Threatened damage to Coral Link; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2438861 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Threatened physical harm to the complement of Coral Link; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2438861 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Threatened to board and seize Coral Link by force; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2438861 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 With threats and by force cast off}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 the mooring l}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 ines securing Coral Link to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 said wharf, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (e)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2438861 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Cut mooring lines to and cast the gangway to Coral Link from the said wharf onto the wharf, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (f)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2438861 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Forcibly ejected Coral Link from her berth. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (6) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The Second De fendant then berthed the ship Moana III in the \par berth from which Coral Link had just been ejected. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (7) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Subsequent to so ejecting Coral Link and berthing Moana III, the Second Defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Refused to make room at the said wharf for Coral}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Link to berth; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (b) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Threatened damage to Coral Link and physical injury to her complement in the event of their attempting to berth her at the said wharf. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3952327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 (8) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 As a result of the foregoing acts Coral Link had to lie in the roads at Mata Utu until the evening of Tuesday 28 May 1991 and could not complete the discharge of the cargo she carried for Wallis Island nor load the cargo she was to carry from Wallis Island. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Paragraph 9 of the Statement of Claim alleges that the Second Defendant was at all relevant times the servan t or agent of the First Defendant and in performing the acts alleged in paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 above was acting on behalf of the First Defendant and with the knowledge of the First Defendant. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8066040 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 It is alleged in paragraph 10 that in carrying out these acts th e Defendants were pursuing a course of conduct calculated to create such an advantage for them or either of them of a value which might exceed any disadvantage they might suffer by way of compensation payable to the Plaintiff, thereby allegedly entitling the Plaintiff to an award of exemplary damages.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Paragraph 11 of the Statement of Claim then alleges that as a result of the acts aforesaid by the Defendants the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 has suffered economic loss and damages and that in all the circumstances is entitled to compensation in the nature of aggravated general damages for the injury to its feelings and dignity. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Various particulars of special damages amounting to $53,460.00 are then given and the Plaintiff then claims the special damages together with the sum o f $100,000.00 for general damages and a similar sum for exemplary damages.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 It appears from the affidavit material now filed that Moana III is a trading ship which trades on a general route between Wallis Island - Noumea - Fiji and New Zealand and visits F iji about every two months. The ship is owned by the First Defendant and is registered in the Wallis Island Shipping Registry. The First Defendant is a Company also registered in Wallis Island. \par \par The Plaintiff alleges that the ship has a value of about $1,500,000.00; the Second Defendant believes that its value is far in excess of this sum. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 It is common ground between the parties that Moana III arrived in Suva during the afternoon of the 30th May and the effect of the Injun}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid919103 ction which I granted on the 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of May has been to prevent the ship from departing here for Funafu}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid919103 ti last Saturday morning, the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of June, until such time as I either dissolve the Mareva Injunction or the First Defendant lodges security in this Court in the sum of $253,460.00. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 I granted the Injunction at about 10.30 a.m. on the 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of May but it was not served together with other relevant papers on the Defendants until approximately 4.30 p.m. on the 31st of May.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 As might be expected the Defendants were most concerned about the Injunction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 and at about 1.00 p.m. on the 1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of June the Chief Registrar of this Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 telephoned me at my home to ask whether I could hear an immediate application to discharge the Injunction. Because of other personal commitments that day I was not able to but I directed that the matter be listed before me at 8.45 a.m. on the 3rd of June. The Defendants were represented by their present counsel but Mr. Singh who has appeared throughout for the Plaintiff was not able to be present until the afternoon. I then began the hearing of the present application by the Defendants for a stay of these proceedings and the discharge of the Injunction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Although none of the parties to the action resides in Fiji the claim was properly brought in this Court at least in the first instance because it was against persons duly served within }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 the jurisdiction under Order 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (1)(1)(c) of the Rules of this Court. The question which I have to decide is whether the proceedings, although properly commenced in this Court, can lawfully conti nue in the Court. This raises some interesting questions of law which I shall discuss in a moment. First however it is necessary to refer to further evidence in the form of affidavits filed on behalf of the three parties. On behalf of the Plaintiff an aff i davit has been filed by one Villy Raid of Auckland, New Zealand the Operations Manager for Plaintiff who states his version of the events of the 26th of May last. He says that he was on the ship Coral Link at Mata Utu, Wallis Island having travelled there in order to instruct shipping agents and stevedores in respect of the services recently established to Wallis Island by the Plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 At about 7.30 a.m. on that day he alleges that the chief mate of Moana III came on board Coral Link which was then lawfu lly berthed at the wharf and demanded that she be removed to enable Moana III to berth. He suggested that Moana III could share the wharf but this suggestion was declined and a threat was made of retaliatory action by the Master of Moana III, in the form of boarding Coral Link by members of Moana III's crew.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Mr. Rata alleges that the authorities at Wallis Island did not know that Moana III was due to arrive on the 26th of May but that its expected time of arrival was 27th of May. It then appears from the d ocuments exhibited to Mr. Raki's affidavit that some crew of Moana III cast off two mooring lines of Coral Link and removed her gangway and threw it on the wharf. It is then alleged that to avoid any unfortunate incident Mr. Raki and the Master of Coral L ink decided to leave the wharf as quickly as possible, which they did and the ship then anchored outside the wharf area. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Among other damages and losses sustained by Coral Link are said to be two mooring ropes valued at $6,000.00 each and four days loss of charter to the charterers. \par \par Finally Mr. Raki alleges that the following apart from himself were witnesses to the incident he describes:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (1) Journalist for La Nouvelle Caledonienne. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (2) Reporters from the local television station "RFA".}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (3) Chief of Affaires Maritime. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (4) Chief Customs Officer. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (5) Numerous local citizens who were on the wharf. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 In an }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 affidavit }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 sworn on the 3rd of June 1991 in support of the Defendants' application to dissolve the Injunction the Second Defendant denies most of the allegations by the Plaintiff as to the incident of the 26th of May. He further alleges that the First Defendant has contracted with the Government of Wallis Island to provide it with shipping services and that Moana III is wholly devoted to th i s contract. He states, and there could be little argument about this that the practical effect of the Injunction, apart from pecuniary loss, is to put his vessel under arrest. He also alleges that because the acts complained of by the Plaintiff took place in Wallis Island, a French territory, that Moana III and the First Defendant are both registered in Wallis Island and so have no connection whatsoever with Fiji and that the Plaintiff also has no such connection as its address is given as c/- Investors Tr ust, Vila, Vanuatu, this Court has no jurisdiction in the matter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Those then are broadly the allegations of fact made so far in the action. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 I now consider the submissions made to me by counsel for the parties. For the Defendants Mr. Parshotam claimed that the only reason why the action was begun in this Court was because of certain bad blood existing between the parties. This was not denied by Mr. Singh but in any event I consider it irrelevant. Mr. Parshotam first argues that because the incident giving r ise to the action occurred in a foreign country outside Fiji and because both Defendants are not residents of Fiji, the Second Defendant being a citizen of New Caledonia, and the fact that Moana III is registered in Wallis Island and is owned by a Company whose registered office is in Wallis Island this Court should decline to continue to exercise jurisdiction in the claim. He also submits that on the question of the Injunction the Plaintiff should lodge some security in the Court as evidence of its bona f ides. He then goes on to make submissions based on the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 American Cyanamid}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 case [1975] A.C. 396. As to this Mr. Singh refers me to the case of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Allen v. Jambo Holdings Ltd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1980] 1W.L.R. 1252 which held that in considering whether to grant a Mareva Injunction the question of financial stability of a Plaintiff should be disregarded, the important question being what is the essential justice of the case as between the parties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 I accept that as good law in Fiji. \par \par I now turn to the real issue in this case, namely whether this Court should continue to exercise jurisdiction in the matter. Until the case of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The Atlantic }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 Star}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1974] AC 436 in m atters of this kind the English Courts had generally refused to grant a stay of proceedings instituted in England and for which it was claimed the proper forum was in another country. This rule was defined}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid919103 by Scott L}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 J. in }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 St. Pierre v. South American Stores (Gath & Chaves Ltd)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (1936) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 1 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 K.B. 382 at 398:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2162881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 "(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 ) A mere balance of convenience is not a sufficient ground for depriving a plaintiff of the advantages of prosecuting his action in an English Court if it is otherwise properly brought. The right of access to the King's Cou}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 rt must not be lightly refused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2162881 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (2.) In order to justify a stay two conditions must be satisfied, one positive and the other negative: (a) the defendant must satisfy the Court that the continuance of the action would work an injustice be cause it would be oppressive or vexatious to him or would be an abuse of the process of the Court in some other way; and (b) the stay must not cause an injustice to the plaintiff. On both the burden of proof is on the defendant."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 In very few cases until m ore recent times has the Defendant been able to discharge this onus. Any legitimate advantage, however tenuous, the Plaintiff hopes to gain in the forum has been held sufficient to prevent the discharge of the onus: }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Baroda v. Wildenstein}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 [1972] }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 2 Q.B. 282. In that case the Court of Appeal held that where the Defendant had been properly served within the jurisdiction when on a fleeting visit to England for the purpose of attending the Ascot races, he could only justify a stay of the action of which, arguabl y the proper forum was a French Court, if he could satisfy the Court positively that to continue it would be oppressive of him or an abuse of the process of the Court and negatively that the stay would not cause injustice to the Plaintiff. Earlier Bridge J . , as he then was, had held that the action be stayed on the ground that where a Defendant was served with a Writ while he was adventitiously within the jurisdiction there was a presumption that the proceedings were oppressive of him and that the Plaintiff had not shown that she would be handicapped if she could not sue in England. The Court of Appeal unanimously rejected this approach.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The law in England however began slowly to change when the case of the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 At}{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 l}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 antic Star}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 came before the House of Lor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 ds in 1973. It is reported in [1974] A.C}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 . 436 when the House by majority (Lords Reid, Wilberforce and Kilbrandon and Lords Morris and Simon dissenting) changed the meaning of the words "oppressive and vexatious" as they had until then been understood. Lord Wilberfo rce said at 468 and 469, that the words should in future be interpreted not in their strict and technical sense but "descriptive words which illustrate but do not confine the Court's general jurisdiction."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 When the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Atlantic Star}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 had been in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid919103 Court of Appeal Lord Denning M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 R. stated the position in English law u}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 p till that time as this [1978]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Q.B. 364, 381G, 382C:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3560461 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3560461 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2162881 "No one who comes to these courts asking for justice should }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 come in vain .... This right to come here is not confined to Englishmen. It extends to any friendly foreigner. He can seek the aid of our courts if he desires to do so. You may call this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 forum shopping' if you please, but if the forum is England, it is a good place to shop in, both for the quality of the goods and the speed of service." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Lord Reid quoted this passage at page 453 and said that it seemed to recall the good old days, when inhabitants of England felt an innate superiority over those unfortunat e enough to belong to other races. He went on that it was the function of the House of Lords to try, so far as possible, to keep the development of the common law in line with the policy of Parliament and the movement of public opinion. He therefore thoug ht that the time was ripe for a re-examination of the rather insular doctrine which had previously been applied.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3952327 In that case Mr. Robert Goff Q}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 C. appeared for the appellants. Later as Lord Goff he gave the leading speech in the landmark decision of the House of Lords in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Spiliada Maritime Corp v Cansulex Ltd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 [1987] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 1 A.C, 460 where the House held that the basic principle henceforth to be followed in England in cases where the question of the proper forum arose was this, at 476:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 "A stay will only be granted on the ground of forum non conveniens where the court is satisfied }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 that there is some other available forum, having competent jurisdiction, which is the appropriate }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 forum for the trial of the action, i.e. in which the case may be tried more suitably for the interest of all the parties and the ends of justice." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 In a wide-ranging speech His Lordship referred to the differences which had hitherto existed between English law and Scots law. The Courts in Scotland had consistently stayed proceedings on the ground which is}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 usually called forum non conveni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 ens. It was stated by Lord Kinnear in }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Sim v. Robi}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 n}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 ow}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1892] 19 R. 665 at page 668 as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 "the plea can never be sustained unless the court is satisfied that there is some other tribunal, having competent jurisdiction, in which the case may be tried more suitably for the interests of all the parties and for the ends of justice." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The Abidin Daver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 [1984] A.C. 398, 411 Lord Diplock stated that on this point, English law and Scots law might now be regarded as indistinguishable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 Sp}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 iliada}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Lord Goff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3560461 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 noted that the burden is on the applicant to establish the conditions for a stay, and that the standard of proof is a high one; the foreign forum must be shown to be clearly more appropriate. The factors which may be considered in the search for the "natural forum" (i.e. that with which the action has the most real and substantial connection) were then given by His Lordship at pp.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 481-483 and include the general. undesirability of subjecting to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 the jurisdiction of English Court any foreigner who owes no allegiance to England, more particularly if the dispute has little to do with England, the availability of witnesses, the law governing the relevant transactions, and the places where the parties reside or carry on business. If the Court concludes that there is a clearly more appropriate foreign forum, it will ordinarily grant a stay unless the Plaintiff proves that it will not obtain justice in the foreign jurisdiction.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Spiliada}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 case was applied unanimously by the New Zealand Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3560461 Club Mediterrane}{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 e NZ v. Wendell}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 1989}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 NZLR 216 but was not followed by the High Court of Australia in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 Oceanic Sun Line Sp}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 ecial Shipping Co Link}{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 v. Fay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 (1988) 62 ALJR 389. There by a 3 to 2 majority t he Court held that a Plaintiff who had claimed damages for negligence arising out of his participation in trap shooting on board a Greek vessel sailing in Greek waters on a cruise and for which the contract of carriage had been made in New South Wales was entitled to sue in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The High Court's decision has been criticised by Professor Pryles in "Judicial Darkness on the Oceanic Sun" (1988) 62 A.L.J.R. 774. He prefers the approach of the two dissenting Justices, Wilson and Toohey JJ, who agreed with the decision in S}{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 piliada}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 which overturned the doctrine of the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 St. Pierre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 case. As they pointed out, this shift in the English law could not be ascribed to local considerations affecting the United Kingdom, such as the incorporat ion of that country into the European community. They added at page 395:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8656217 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 "Rather, this century has witnessed such a transformation in communications and travel, coupled with a greater importance attaching to considerations of international comity as the n ations of the world become more closely related to each other, as to render the St. Pierre principle, fashioned as it was in the nineteenth century, inappropriate to modern conditions. In this regard, we agree with the views expressed by Kirby P in the Co urt of Appeal. The St. Pierre principle places such a tight rein on the discretion of a court as to render it unable to deal justly with the problem of forum shopping, even in blatant cases." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3022163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The editor of the Australia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid919103 n Law Journal Mr. J.G. Starke Q}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 C. com menting on the decision of the High Court said that it is possible that another bench of the Court may well treat the decision as one limited to the particular facts and that the result, namely, a refusal of the stay sought by the appellants was certainly of a controversial character. \par \par Reviewing the submissions made to me by counsel in the instant case, it seems to me with respect that that of Mr. Singh on behalf of the Plaintiff fails to pay sufficient heed to the decision in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 Spi }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 liada}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 In my judgment the fact that a majority of the witnesses to the incident on Wallis Island are local inhabitants,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 the fact that the First Defendant and the ship Moana III are registered in Wallis Island, the fact that clearly the law to be applied is French law and last, but by no means least, the expense and inconvenience to be incurred if this action were to be tried in Fiji point conclusively to my holding that the proper forum in this litigation is Wallis Island and not Fiji.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Mr. Singh pointed out corre ctly that no evidence had been offered by the Defendants as to whether indeed there were any Courts at all on Wallis Island and this was a basic flaw in the Defendants' application to dissolve the Injunction. I was briefly attracted to this submission but on reflection consider it is irrelevant. As I see it my function in this matter is not to decide whether there are any Courts in Wallis Island capable of hearing an action between the Plaintiff and Defendants but rather whether this Court is the proper fo rum for such action. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 For the reasons which I have given above I consider it is not and I propose therefore to dissolve t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 he Injunction granted on the 31} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of May 1991.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 Because of this it is unnecessary for me to consider the submissions made to me by Mr. Parshotam and Mr. Singh on the law as to Interlocutory Injunctions as stated by Lord Diplock in }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 American Cyanamid Co. v Ethicon Co. Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 [1975]}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 A.C. 396; suffice it for me to say that generall y I accept Mr. Parshotam's submissions on this question and would hold that the balance of convenience in my judgment lies in dissolving the Injunction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 The orders of the Court are that the Mareva Injunction granted in favour of the Plaintiff agains}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217 t the First Defendant on the 31}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid3022163 st of May 1991 is dissolved, and the Plaintiff is to pay the Defendants' costs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8656217\charrsid3022163 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3022163\charrsid8656217 (Application allowed, injunction discharged) \par }}