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\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1440\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701 \dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot9008825 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \psz266\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid14959012\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (} {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9 \pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 IN THE SU}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 PREME COURT OF }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 FIJI}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par A}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 PPELLATE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 URISDICTION}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ACTION NO. 6 OF 1977}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9857144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8077927 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8077927 BETWEEN \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 CAREFUL INVESTMENTS LIMITED \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 RAM BALI \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid7547489 s/o Raghuni Dass \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The appellant in the Court below was the plaintiff seeking possession of 5 acres or thereabouts of freehold land being part of the land contained in}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 CT. 7823 situated at Navua occupied by the defendant, the respondent in this appeal, on the ground that the defendant had unlawfully entered and taken possession of the land.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The respondent at the hearing in the Magistrates Court Suva claimed he was a tenant and not a trespasser, as alleged by the appellant, and was a protected tenant}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 under the provisions of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. \par \par The learned trial Magistrate in a lengthy and considered judgment found that the defendant was an agricultural tenant entitled to the protection of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and that his tenancy had not been properly determined and dismissed the plaintif}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s claim with no order as to costs. From this decision the appellant has appealed and has raised four grounds of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 as}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 under:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4354675 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 The learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact in holding that the Defendant was an agricultural tenant. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The learned Magistrate }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid984203\charrsid11406022 err}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid984203 ed}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 in fact in finding }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 that the Defendant had made pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ments in cash and in kind to the Plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The learned Magistrate erred in law in finding that the area of land which was the subject of the action was inadequately described.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The learned Magistrate failed to deal with the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s alternative plea that if the defendant was a tenant (which was denied) then the plaintiff was entitled to possession for non-payment of rent.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The learned Magistrate was not impressed with the respondent whom he described as a man to whom the truth did not mean a great deal unless it happened to}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 accord with his wishes. Howe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 ver, the Magistrate was not }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 impressed with the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s two main witnesses as regards their veracity.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 In the situation in which he found himself the Magistrate had a difficult task in ascertaining the true facts. Doing the best he could on th e acceptable evidence before him the Magistrate d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 id consider and make findings}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 on the issues which arose. \par \par Ownership of the land in question was not in issue and there is no doubt that the respondent went}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 into occupation of the land and was in occupation in 1966 and is still in occupation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7274980 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 It was established by an independent Government field officer stationed at Sigatoka that the respondent was a farmer on the land and in 1975 had 10 acres of rice, 5 acr}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 peanuts, 3 acres of mixed vegetables and 12 acres of pasture land interplanted with coconuts. The land the respondent farmed he said was approximately 30}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 acres and was fenced. This witness stated that in 1971 the respondent was not using 30 acres but increased the area sometime later. What area he occ upied in 1971 was not stated but as alleged in the Statement of Claim the area was not less than 6 acres or thereabouts in 1966.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The learned Magistrate found as a fact that the land was agricultural land and that the defendant was entitled to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 the protecti on of Agricultural}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Landlord and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Tenant Ordinance. Section 4(1) of the Agricultural Landlord and Te}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 nant Ordinance provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8349187 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 "4(1) Where a person is in occupation of and is cultivating an agricultural holding and such occupation and cultivation has continued}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 before or after the commencement of this Ordinance for a period of not less than three years and the landlord has taken no steps to evict him, the onus shall be on the landlord to prove that such occupation was without his consent, and if the landlord fa ils to satisfy such onus of proof, a tenancy shall be presumed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 to exist under the provisions of this Ordinance.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par There can be no doubt the respondent is in occupation of and cultivates agricultural land as defined }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid268997 in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 the Ordinance and has been in occupation for not less than three years. Whatever area he occupies whether it is 5 acres or 30 the are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7081234 a he occupies is in excess of 2\'bd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 acres and under section 4(1) of the Ordinance a tenancy is deemed to exist unless the appella}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 nt establishes that such occupa}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 tion was without the consent of the landlord, who was in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7081234 t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 he instant case the predecessor in title of the appellant when the respondent went into occupation of the land.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The owner of the land prior to the appellant was P. W.3 Narayan Prasad a witness whom the Magistrate did not believe. Despite this disbelief his evidence indicates that he knew of the respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s occupation of the land about the time the respondent went into occupation and apart from asking the respondent to leave on more than one o}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 cc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 asion the respondent remained in occupation from 1966 until Prasad sold the land in 1973 and continued in occupation thereafter. Requests to vacate which are not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 f}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ollowed up by action cannot be deemed to be steps to evict the respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 The Magistrate found as a fact that the first }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ositive step taken to evict the respondent was the notice }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ssued by the appellant to the respondent nine or ten years after the respondent had mo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 ved onto the land. B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7081234 y}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 the time }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 this notice was issued, by virtue of section 4(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 )}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 of the Ordinance a tenancy was deemed to exist.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Dealing with the grounds of appeal there was ample evidence to support the Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s finding that the respondent was an agricultural tenant and the first ground fails.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 As to the second ground, the Magistrate held on the balance of probabilities that t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 he respondent di}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 d make payments in cash a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 nd kind to P.W.3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13061624 ,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 the then owne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 the lan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 d, which by virtue of section 4(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 2) of the Ord}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 inance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 in the absence of proof to the contrary, is pres}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 umed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 to be rent. Having expressed his view that he did not believe the respondent or P.W.3 and P.W.4 I do not consider he was entitled to decide the issue of rent on the balance of probabilities.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406022\charrsid11406022 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 There was no acceptable evidence that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 rent was paid. Certainly no rent was ever paid or tendered to the appellant. \par \par However, despite Mr. Knight}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s argument that there can be no tenancy unless rent is charged for the land, section 4(1) of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenants Ordinance makes no mention of rent. If a person occupies and cultivates an agricultural holding for not less than three years and the landlord has taken no steps to evict him a tenancy is deemed to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8349187 exist. The onus is on the land }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 lord to establish that such occupation was without his consent. \par \par Had section 4(1) been concerned only with occupation by a person under a contract of tenancy which would imply that there was consideration for the granting of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 tenancy in the nature of rent the subsection would not have provided that a tenancy was deemed to exist unless the landlord established the occupation was without his consent.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Rent is referred to in section 4 subsection 2 but in my view this provision provides a means whereby the occupier can establish in the absence of proof to the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 contrary that his occupation is with consent of his landlord since he is paying rent.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Section 5 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14763576 of the O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 rdinance provides the machinery to enable a person who claims to be a tenant, where the landlord refuses t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 o accept him as such, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 o seek a declaration}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 that he is a tenant. Section 23(a) enables a tenant to have the maximum rent fixed. These provisions in my view indicate that payment of rent is not under the Ordinance prerequisite for establishing the existence of a tenancy.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Whether rent was at the time p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 id by the respondent or not in my view is immaterial if it is established, as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 it was, that he was in occupation and cultivating an agricultural holding for more than three years and the owner of the land took no steps to evict him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 If Narayan Prasad (P.W.3) and Chandrika Prasad (P.W.4) had been believed by the Magistrate, and this Court cannot interfere with his finding on the credibility}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 of these witnesses, it would have been established that the respondent who was related by marriage to P.W.4 was let}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 on the land as a favour and no rent was charged. Access to the land he occupied was difficult and P.W.3 seldom visited that part of his holding. It would appear if that was the position that the respondent went ah}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 ead and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 from a mere right to occup}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 y a house extended his occupat}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ion to 30 acres which he farmed efficiently. \par \par The appellant company, which has paid a large sum for the land, woul}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 d appear to have grounds to com}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 plain about the respondent}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s occupation of its land if it had no knowledge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 of that occupation when it purchased the land but its redress is not in my view against the respondent for possession on the grounds that he is a trespasser.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 If the Magistrate erred as the appellant alleges in the second ground that would not affect the outcome}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 in view of his finding that the respondent was protected}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 by the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Ordinance a finding which is supported by the acceptable evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 Ground 3 would only have to be considered if the respondent was not a protected tenant. \par \par The learned trial Magistrate does not appear to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ve expressly considered the issue of non-payment of rent}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 the respondent which was raised as an issue in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ppellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s reply. He did hold the tenancy was not properly}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 etermined which could imply he did consider the issue. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 Th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 is however cannot affect the outcome. The notice given }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 y the appellant was not the three months notice to quit }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 referred to in section 36(1)(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 c) of the Ordinance. Unless }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 landlord gives the required notice the Ordinance does not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 p}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 ermit the landlord to terminate a tenancy on the grounds }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 f non-payment of rent and to reclaim possession. \par \par On my consideration of the record the learned Magistrate was correct in dismissing the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2107313 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 s claim with no orde r as to costs. \par \par The appeal }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8876237 is dismissed with costs to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14096912 respondent which I fix at $}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 30.00. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10581527 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14096912 (SGD) R.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2848897 G. Kermode}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid10581527 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid10581527 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406022 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 Suva,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10581527 29th September, 1977.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7079870\charrsid11406022 \par }}