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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Fatiaki, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 13 June, 2000}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833 
\par H}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 BC0247}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818996 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 99}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 Extension of time in which to bring proceedings - whether the plaintiff had knowledge that death of infant daughter resulted from defendant}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 s negligence or was attributable to defendant}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 s negligence - whether plaintiff }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid13703833 had facts available to plaintiff to }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 issue}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid13703833  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 
proceedings before 3 year limitation period expired}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid13703833  - Limitation Act (Cap 35) ss4(}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 1}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 ), 16(}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 3) and 17(2); High Court Rules O.1 r.10 and O}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 .}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 18 r.21
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 The plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s daughter died from personal injuries sustained as a result of alleged negligence when she w
as hit by a motor vehicle driven by the First defendant as she crossed a road from behind a parked bus. The First defendant driver was charged with causing death by dangerous driving but convicted of careless driving. The plaintiff applied more than a yea
r after the statutory period of limitation had expired and four months after the grant of Letters of Administration.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid13703833 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282125  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 The object of the
 Limitation Act in ss16 and 17 is to ameliorate injustices in individual cases caused by imposition of a rigid limitation rule. The combined effect of ss16(3) and 17(2) of the Limitation Act is to postpone the running of the statutory time limit so long a
s plaintiff remains ignorant of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 material facts relating to the cause of action.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 The plaintiff had sufficient knowledge of material facts to justify issuance of civil proceedings within the limitation period, bar the manner in which the first defendant drov
e his motor vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid9008880 Obiter Dicta:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 there is a need to reform existing laws to simplify requirements and provide court with over-riding discretion.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid1928644 Cases referred to in judgment}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282125\charrsid1928644 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1468325 A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid2047243 pp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid2047243 r }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid10697360 Fiji E}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400\charrsid10697360 lectricity Authority & Attorney-}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid10697360 General v}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400\charrsid10697360  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid10697360 Miriama Ganilau}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid2047243  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10887494 [1999] ABU}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1468325  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid2047243 50}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1468325 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid2047243 97}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8157544\charrsid2047243 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid2047243 [note: app}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8157544 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid2047243  in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid10697360 Amelia Tuvalili v Samsun}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid10697360  Subramani & James Narayan}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400\charrsid2047243  [2000] HBC0224D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1468325 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid2047243 99L 4 October 2000]
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid471414 Robinson Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid471414  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400\charrsid8157544 for the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13703833 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid471414\charrsid471414 V}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid471414 iren Kapadia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid8157544 for the defendants
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid471414\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 13 June, 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid471414 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid471414 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid471414 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid471414\charrsid16191714 Fa}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid16191714 tiaki, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid471414\charrsid16191714 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid16191714 This is an application under the Limitation Act (Cap. 35) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid16191714 the Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid16191714 
) for an extension of time within which the plaintiff might be permitted to issue}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16191714  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
proceedings to recover damages for the loss of the life of his infant daughter who died as a result of a motor vehicle a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525224 ccident that occurred on the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid8525224\charrsid1468325 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525224  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
of June 1995. The first defendant was the driver of the vehicle at the relevant time and the second defendant the registered owner.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525224 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 The particular circumstances in which the accident occurred are summarised in the following passages of the trial magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s judgment which reads (at p.4):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525224 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
This case before this Court is indeed a tragic one, where a young girl of 5 years was cut off from this life because of momentary inattention, by the mother, who was busy carrying a small baby at the time of accident.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525224 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525224 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525224 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
This should be a lesson to mothers, that the children when accompanied by their mother to town, must be extra-careful with their movement.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525224 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525224 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 This young child (the deceased) did not wait for her mother and ran across the road alone an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8800184 d met her death when she was run}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  down by the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s vehicle which was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8800184\charrsid4864410 travelling}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 from Nausori to Suva. As the mother told the court, that the deceased ran across the road from behind the parked bus.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525224\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9659704 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
For the above reason the accused is guilty of Careless Driving. He ought to slow his vehicle when approaching a parked vehicle and a reasonable man should expect young children and old people to cross}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659704  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 the road without giving warning. A reasonable man should foresee this possibility.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2047243 Section 4(1}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid9659704 ) of the Act imposes a three (3) year limitation period }{
\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid9659704 in the case of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 actions for damages for negligence ... where the damages claimed ... consists of or includes damages in respect of personal injuries to any person}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  [See also: Section 8 of the Compensat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659704 ion to Relatives Act (Cap. 29)].}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par 
\par Quite plainly the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s cause of action accrued to his infant daughter}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s estate on the date of her death namely, 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15561291\charrsid12201143 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 June 1995}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291  and expired on or about the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15561291\charrsid12201143 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  of June 1998. The present application however was not filed until almost a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 year later on 19}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15561291\charrsid12201143 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  May 1999 some four (4)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
months after Letters of Administration were granted to the plaintiff.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Prima facie therefore unless the plaintiff can persuade the court to grant 
him an extension of the statutory time limit, any claim for damages for the negligent loss of his infant daughter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
s life must be considered statute-barred.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 In this latter regard Section 17(2) of the Act relevantly provides:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15561291 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Where ... an application (for
 extension of time) is made before the commencement of any relevant (Court) action, the court may grant leave in respect of any cause of action to which the application relates if, but}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291  o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 nly if, on evidence adduced by ... the plaintiff, it appears to the Co
urt that, if such an action were brought forthwith and like evidence were adduced in that action, that evidence would, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be sufficient}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13064237  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15561291 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 (a) to establish that cause of action, apart from (any limitation) defence;}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3682063 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 to fulfil the requirement of subsection (3) of Section 16 in relation to that cause of action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3682063 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Section 16(3) provides:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3682063 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3682063 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282125 \'85.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 , the requirements of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3682063  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
this Sub-Section shall be fulfilled in relation to a cause of actio
n if it is proved that the material facts relating to that cause of action were or included facts of a decisive character which were at all times outside the knowledge (actual or constructive) of the plaintiff until a date which -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 either was after the three year period relating to that cause of action or was not earlier than twelve months before the end of that period; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 in either case, was a date not earlier than twelve months before the date on which the action was brought.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par The combined effect of the above provisions in my view, is to postpone the running of the statutory time limit so long as the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 remains ignorant of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
material facts relating to the cause of action}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  (See: Section 19) or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 facts of a decisive character}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  (See: Section 20).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 In seeking to discharge the onus placed on him the plaintiff deposed that his five (5) year old daughter was struck down by a motor vehicle driven by the first defendant and died as}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446  a result of her injuries on 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12672446\charrsid9917399 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  June 1995; that the 
first defendant was subsequently charged in August 1995 before the Nausori Magistrates Court with an offence of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving and, after trial, was eventually convic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446 
ted of Careless Driving on 21}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12672446\charrsid9917399 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
September 1998 (i.e. after the limitation period had already expired).
\par 
\par This was undoubtedly a difficult case for the trial magistrate involving as it did an infant child running across a road from the rear of a stationary bus from which she had alighted. Indeed it appears that prior to the trial and, on the trial magistrate}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s recommendation, the case was unsuccessfully referred to the Office}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider a reduction of the charge.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12672446 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 However and despite that earlier indication, the t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14450118 rial magistrate convicted the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid14450118\charrsid2691841 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  defendant. If I may say so the trial magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s jurisdiction to enter a conviction for Careless Driving is not entirely clear but no appeal has been lodged against the conviction of Careless Driving and presumably it still stands.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14450118 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 importance}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  of the first defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s criminal conviction is made clear in the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s affidavit in support where he deposed (at para. 11):
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14450118 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14450118 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
... the reason why I could not bring this action earlier was that I was advised (by an undisclosed person) that unt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 il the Police case against the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid2691841\charrsid2691841 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 defendant was finalised and it was }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 proven to the Court that the 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid2691841\charrsid2691841 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 defendant was negligent, I could not institute a civil action against the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14450118  1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid8282125\charrsid2703427 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14450118  defendant. B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 y the tim}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10311467 e the Police case against the 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10311467\charrsid2703427 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  defendant was fi
nalised 3 years had lapsed ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par In this regard it is noteworthy that the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
s draft Statement of Claim d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13590618 oes not seek to rely upon the 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid13590618\charrsid2703427 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
s criminal conviction in support of the allegation of negligence against him (See: Order 1 r.10 of the High Court Rules read with Order 18 r.21).
\par 
\par Additionally, the plaintiff deposed that he lived in an inaccessible and remote area of the country which made it }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
... very difficult ... to come to Suva and consult a solicitor and obtain advice and guidance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
. Section 21 also bears some mention in so far as it provides that:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid735583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
... a fact shall, at any time, be taken to have been outside the knowledge, actual or constructive, of a person if, but only if -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 he did not then know that fact.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Learned counsel for the plaintiff in supporting the application forcefully submitted that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 until the criminal charge was decided against the defendant, the deceased}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s death could not be attributed to the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s negligence.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  This}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
was so, in counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s submissions, because of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 the contentious fact}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 that the deceased was at the relevant time an infant in the company of her mother who had crossed the road alone and was tragically struck down by a car driven by the defendant and, although a criminal cha}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 rge had been laid against the 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid735583\charrsid2703427 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 defendant, presumably because the police considered that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 he was at fault, the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid735583\charrsid2703427 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  defendant had denied the charge.
\par 
\par In couns}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 el}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 s submission, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 whether the 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid735583\charrsid2703427 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 defendant was at fault or not was a material fact within Section 19(a) & (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
, insofar as, given the particular circumstances of the case and the age of the deceased, it could not be said with any certainty or conviction that the deceased died as a result of personal injuries sustained as a consequence of the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s (or for that matter, anyone}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s) negligence.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 
\par Wh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 more Counsel argues, unless and until there had been a s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583 uccessful prosecution of the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid735583\charrsid2703427 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  defendant, there was no reasonable possibility o
f the plaintiff assessing or determining (even with appropriate legal advice) that, in the words}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid735583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 of Section 20, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
an action would have a reasonable prospect of succeeding and resulting in the award of damages sufficient to justify the bringing of the action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par 
\par Indeed, if I may say so, given the learned trial magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s judgment and defence counsel}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s submission that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 this was a case of significant contributory negligence if}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004811  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
negligence was established on the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s part}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 , even now, serious consideration must be given to whether or not any action would be justified.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004811 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Notwithstanding that, the submissions of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004811  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 plaintif}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
s counsel boils down to the question: Whether or not before 3 years had expired the plaintiff had }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 knowledg
e (actual or constructive)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  that the death of his infant daughter }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 resulted}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004811  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 from (the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s) negligence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 were attributable t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004811 o (the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004811 s) negligence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 ? If the answer is yes he had the necessary knowledge then plainly any action would be statute-barred, and, if the answer is no he didn}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 t, then leave ought to be granted to him to proceed.
\par 
\par In this regard plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
s counsel cited from the judgment of the Court of Appeal (U.K.) in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid10099147 Nash v. Eli Lilly & Co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 . (1993) 4 All E}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 383 where the Court was considering the meaning of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 knowledge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  in the context of the U.K. equivalent of our Section 19 and where the Court:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12913400 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16214683 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
Held (inter alia): ... A firm belief held by the plaintiff that his injury}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
was attributable to the act or omission of the defendant, but in respect of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
which he thought it necessary to obtain confirmation from experts, would not be regarded as knowledge until the result of his inquiries was known to him, or if he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147  delayed in obtaining that confirm}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 ation, until the time when it was reasonable f
or him to have obtained it. Knowledge of the essence of the act or omission to which the injury was attributable was required but not proof of knowledge of the terms in which it would be alleged that the act or omission of the defendant constituted neglig
ence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 n the often cited case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid10099147 Davis v. Ministry of Defence
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  (1985) Times 7 August May L.J. said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10099147 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
Knowledge is an ordinary English word with a clear meaning to which one must give full effect: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 reasonable belief}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 suspicion}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  is not enough.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 ''}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par Furthermore his lordship in rejecting a submission that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 attributable}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  [as it occurs in Section 19(c)] meant }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 caused by}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  construed it as meaning }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 capable of being attributed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
. In other words the act or omission of the defendant must be a possible cause of the injury as opposed to a probable cause.
\par 
\par Finally reference may be made to the judgment of Lord Donaldson of Lymington M.R. in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid10099147 Halford v. Brookes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400  (1991) 1 W}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 L}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 R}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  428 where his lordship said at p.443:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10099147 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
Knowledge clearly does not mean know for certain and
 beyond possibility of contradiction. It does, however, mean know with sufficient confidence to justify embarking on the preliminaries to the issue of a writ such as submitting a claim to the proposed defendant, taking legal and other advice and collectin
g evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864410 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 [Cited with approval by the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid10099147 F.E.A. & A.G}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16214683 .}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid10099147  v. Miriama Ganilau }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 Civil Appeal No. 50}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  of 1997 (unreported).]
\par 
\par Defence counsel in opposing the application points to the paucity of the evidence or facts deposed in the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s affidavit and in particul}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099147 ar, counsel highlighted para. 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 of the affidavit, wherein the plaintiff sets out his reason(s) for not issuing proceedings within the limitation period, and submits that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 (it) ... is quite inadequate as an evidential basis to (qualify) as being facts of a decisive}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 character}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 Needless to say counsel expressed some disquiet at any waiver of a limitation period on the basis of allowing a potential plaintiff to await the outc
ome of criminal proceedings which, as in this case, might only eventuate after the statutory limitation period had expired, and, what if there h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12913400 ad been an acquittal altogether}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 ?
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 There is much force, on
 policy grounds, for the submission advanced by defence counsel but, whilst acknowledging that, the decision of this Court must ultimately turn on the meaning and effect of the provisions of Section 16 & 17 of the Limitation Act (Cap. 35) which undoubtedl
y have, as their primary purpose, the amelioration of the injustices that can occur in individual cases by the imposition of a rigid limitation period.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 In this case plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s counsel concedes that there can be no doubt that the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s daughter died from being hit by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 a motor vehicle driven by the 1}{
\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12989288\charrsid6627119 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  defendant and that these }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 material facts}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  would have been within the (actual) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 knowledge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410  of the plaintiff soon after the accident had occurred and certainly by the time the defendant was charged.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 It would also have been obvious (perhaps with }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
appropriate advice}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
) that any one or indeed all of three (3) possible persons could have been responsible for the accident to some greater or lesser degree namely, the deceased infant, and/or her mother, and/or the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the collision. What
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1928644 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6627119  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
more the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288  only act or omission of the 1}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12989288\charrsid6627119 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
 defendant driver to which the accident could reasonably be attributed would be the manner of his driving of the motor vehicle.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 In light of the above I am reluctantly but unavoidably driven to the firm conclusion that, within the limitation period, the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
had sufficient knowledge to justify the issuance of civil proceedings and accordingly the application fails with costs to be taxed if not agreed.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid4864410 
Having so-ruled in this case I too would join Scott J. in urging the relevant authorities to consider reforming the existing law not only in simplifying its existing requirements but also in providing the court with an over-riding discretion in the matter
.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989288 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid12913400 Application refused with costs to be taxed if not agreed.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5374540 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5374540 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1928644 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864410\charrsid1928644 Marie Chan
\par }}