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\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\insrsid6178918 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\insrsid14300784 AND}{\insrsid6178918 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\insrsid6178918 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\b\insrsid12396736 DILLINGHAM, WILKINS, GREEN}{\b\insrsid4525565 }{\insrsid6178918\charrsid12396736 a limited }{\insrsid4525565 liability company \par }{\insrsid12396736\charrsid12396736 having}{\insrsid12396736 its}{\insrsid4525565 }{\insrsid6178918\charrsid12396736 registered office at Suva. \par Defendant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\insrsid6178918 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\insrsid12396736 AND}{\insrsid6178918 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\insrsid6178918 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\b\insrsid6178918\charrsid6178918 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL \par }{\insrsid6178918 Third Party \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2433601 {\insrsid6178918\charrsid6178918 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6178918 {\b\insrsid6178918\charrsid6178918 JUDGMENT}{\b\insrsid2433601\charrsid6178918 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2433601 {\insrsid6178918 \par }{\insrsid1382529 This is a claim by the plaintiff, who carries on business (inter alia) as a supplier of gravel at Navua, against the defendants, a firm engaged in the construction of th e Suva/Nadi Highway, for damages. The Attorney General has been joined as a third party as the defendants allege they are entitled to be indemnified by Government if they are held to be liable to the plaintiff.}{\insrsid6178918 \par }{\insrsid1382529 \par The plaintiff is the registered p}{\insrsid14300784 roprietor of the lands described}{\insrsid1382529 in certificates of Title Nos. 3894 and 3895. Both area}{\insrsid14300784 s}{\insrsid1382529 of land have a boundary on the Navua River but in the instant action the Court is only concerned with CT. 3894. \par }{\insrsid1382529\charrsid2433601 \par }{\insrsid1382529\charrsid4996616 Towards the end of 1974 the Fiji Government negotiated with the p laintiff to permit the defendants undisturbed access across his land for the purpose of extracting gravel from the Navua River. For this right of access the plaintiff}{\insrsid13726307 was to be paid ten cent}{\insrsid9196630 s}{\insrsid13726307 per cubic yard of gravel extracted from the river. The terms of the agreement were recorded in a later dated the 5}{\insrsid10962924 th}{\insrsid13726307 November, 1974 addressed to the plaintiff by the Permanent Secretary, Lands and Mineral Resources (exhibit C).}{\insrsid1382529 \par }{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 \par Since this letter is relevant I set out th}{\insrsid13726307 e body}{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 of the letter in full.}{\insrsid10962924 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9196630 {\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid13726307 Dear Sir, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2433601 {\insrsid13726307 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4525565 {\ul\insrsid13726307\charrsid13726307 re: Access through Cst 3894 & 3895 Navua}{\insrsid13726307\charrsid2433601 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2433601 {\insrsid13726307 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9196630 {\insrsid13726307 I}{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 write to confir}{\insrsid13726307 m our ve}{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 rbal a}{ \insrsid13726307 greement wherein}{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 it has}{\insrsid2433601 }{\insrsid13726307 been agreed that you will g}{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 ive unobstructed}{\insrsid13726307 }{\insrsid2433601\charrsid2433601 access}{ \insrsid2433601 }{\insrsid13726307 to me, the Suva/Nadi Highway Contractors}{\insrsid9196630 }{\insrsid13726307 -}{\insrsid9196630 }{\insrsid13726307 Mess rs Dillingham Wilkins and Green and to Consultants, Engineers and personnel engaged on the above project for the extraction of gravel from the Navua River and for inspection of the operation}{\insrsid12152860 s}{\insrsid13726307 from time to time. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13726307 {\insrsid13726307 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9196630 {\insrsid344007 A payment of ten cents per cubic yard of riv er gravel extracted is payable for this right of access and is to be paid in arrears at the end of the month following extractions. Such payment is t}{\insrsid5390362 o be made by the Secretary for W}{\insrsid344007 orks}{\insrsid12152860 }{ \insrsid344007 -}{\insrsid12152860 }{\insrsid344007 Public Works Department on receipt of a cert}{\insrsid12152860 ificate of quantities from Mess}{\insrsid344007 rs Rendall Palmer and Tritton the Consultants for the Suva/Nadi Highway project. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13726307 {\insrsid344007 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9196630 {\insrsid344007 The agreed price of ten cents per cubic yard has only been agreed because of the possible interference with your own operations and is not to be construed as a precedent for the future. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13726307 {\insrsid344007 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9196630 {\insrsid344007 Yours faithfully, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13726307 {\insrsid9196630 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9196630 {\insrsid344007 (SGD) J.S.}{\insrsid12152860 }{\insrsid344007 Singh \par (J.S.Singh) \par for }{\ul\insrsid344007\charrsid4996616 Permanent Secretary}{\insrsid344007 , \par }{\ul\insrsid344007\charrsid4996616 Lands & Mineral Resources}{\insrsid15813702\charrsid9196630 .}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\ul\insrsid344007\charrsid4996616 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid344007 {\insrsid344007 \par }{\insrsid4996616 The plaintiff claims damages from the defendants for loss of business due to alleged unlawful action by the defendants in depleting the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid4996616 s gravel sources and supply of gravel, for loss of contracts and for trespass and creating waste. \par \par }{\insrsid4525867 It is convenient to deal with the minor issues of trespass and alleged loss of contracts before dealing with the major issue but before doing so I would comment on the state of the Copy Pleadings filed by Mr. Rasheed. \par \par }{\insrsid4417247 Copie}{\insrsid4525867 s of the Pleadings dated 21st February, 1977 were duly filed. These included copies of some 13 documents. The index indicates 90 pages but the pages were not numbered. When the trial commenced the Court pointed out to Mr. Rasheed that the Pleadings were not in order and included documents which should not have been included. Without specifying all such documents the Pleadings included copies of affidavits, notices and interlocut ory summonses. The Defences was not included. \par }{\insrsid4525867\charrsid14117582 \par }{\insrsid14625471\charrsid6782836 On the 11th May, 1974 Mr. Rasheed filed further copies of the Plea}{\insrsid13851328\charrsid6782836 dings which were still not in}{\insrsid14625471\charrsid6782836 order and again included many documents that shou}{ \insrsid10763094\charrsid6782836 ld not have been included. The D}{\insrsid14625471\charrsid6782836 efence was not included although the Defence of the Third Party was included. \par \par }{\insrsid6644361\charrsid6782836 It should not be necessary for a Court to have to point out to counsel what should and what should not be include}{\insrsid12484594\charrsid6782836 d in the Pleadings. Mr. Rasheed}{\insrsid12152860\charrsid6782836 '}{ \insrsid6644361\charrsid6782836 s attention is drawn to Order 34(3) Rules of the Supreme Court as amended by the Supreme Court (Amendment) (No.}{\insrsid6782836 }{\insrsid6644361\charrsid6782836 3) Rules 1971 which appear as Legal Notice No.}{ \insrsid6782836 }{\insrsid6644361\charrsid6782836 152 of 1971. \par \par It was not disputed that the plaintiff is registered as proprietor of the freehold lands contained in CTs. Nos}{\insrsid6782836 .}{\insrsid6644361\charrsid6782836 3894 and 3895. \par \par A photocopy of CT. 3894 was put in evidence by the plaintiff. The photocopy was not certified as}{\insrsid6644361 a true copy by the Regist}{\insrsid12484594 rar of Titles but no objections}{\insrsid6782836 }{\insrsid6644361 was taken by counsel for the Defence to the photocopy being admitted as evidence as ownership of the land was not denied. \par \par However, it is apparent that the photocopy is an incomplete copy. There is }{\insrsid12862841 attached to the front sheet which purports to be a photocopy of CT.}{\insrsid6782836 }{\insrsid12862841 3894 a half sheet showing the plan and description of the land on which there is one decipherable memorial and one which is only partially decipherable showing the name Balram. There is no memorial showing transfer of th e land to the plaintiff. It is obvious that only half the second page of CT.3894 has been photocopie}{\insrsid3352898 d. There is however in exhibit }{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid3352898 F}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid12862841 another photocopy of the half page on which there is a memorial showing transfer of the land to the plaintiff.}{\insrsid6644361 \par }{\insrsid12862841 \par If a photocopy of a document is put in as evidence counsel should ensure that the photocopy is a complete and legible copy. \par \par It is of importance in this case as }{\insrsid3352898 a photocopy of DP.}{\insrsid9246391 }{\insrsid3352898 3842 exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3352898 B}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12862841 which is a plan}{\insrsid1122399 of CTs.}{ \insrsid9246391 }{\insrsid1122399 3894 and 3895 indicates 3 lots on }{\insrsid1802054 CT.}{\insrsid9246391 }{\insrsid1802054 3894 and has endorsed on it }{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid1122399 Lot 3 to be dedicated first before}{\insrsid9197777 any further dea}{\insrsid1802054 lings are accepted on this plan}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid9197777 DP.}{\insrsid9246391 }{\insrsid9197777 3842 was registered on 26th July, 1972.}{\insrsid12862841 \par }{\insrsid9197777 \par The plaintiff testified he purchased CT.}{\insrsid9246391 }{\insrsid9197777 3894 in January, 1973. This cannot be verified from the partially de}{\insrsid1802054 cipherable memorial on exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1802054 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid9197777 to which I have referred, but I accept that date. \par }{\insrsid11339600 \par }{\insrsid1802054 If}{\insrsid11339600 Lot 3 was dedicated prior to transfer of the balance of CT. 3894 to the plaintiff in January 1973 I would have expected CT. 3894 to be cancelled and a new title is sued. With only half the second page of the title showing on the alleged photocopy on which page the memorials would normally appear there is no evidence before }{\insrsid1802054 me as to whether Lot 3 was in fact dedicated before }{\insrsid11339600 the transfer to the plaintiff.}{\insrsid15206540 Of greater importan}{\insrsid9791786 ce is}{\insrsid15206540 whether there was any applicat}{\insrsid10445125 ion by Balram, the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15206540 s immediate predecessor in title to rectify the area of his title to include Lot 2 on DP. 3894 which is land alleged t}{\insrsid10445125 o be accretion to the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15206540 s title. It is from Lot 2 that the plaint}{ \insrsid9791786 iff alleges}{\insrsid15206540 the defendant unlawfully extracted gravel.}{\insrsid11339600 \par }{\highlight4\insrsid9197777 \par }{\insrsid263125\charrsid3698093 No basis was laid in the }{\insrsid10703724\charrsid3698093 Statement of Claim as it shoul}{\insrsid8092586\charrsid3698093 d}{\insrsid10703724\charrsid3698093 have been claiming that Lot 2 which fell outside the area described in the title}{\insrsid8092586\charrsid3698093 was land }{\insrsid932752\charrsid3698093 belonging to the plaintiff}{\insrsid3698093 due to accretion and that the defendants took}{ \insrsid16673250 }{\insrsid3698093 gravel from Lot 2.}{\insrsid9197777 \par }{\insrsid16673250 \par }{\insrsid4525565 In }{\b\i\insrsid4525565\charrsid9791786 Frost}{\b\i\insrsid4525565 v}{\b\insrsid4525565\charrsid9791786 . }{\b\i\insrsid4525565\charrsid9791786 Palmerston North }{\b\i\insrsid4525565 - K}{\b\i\insrsid4525565\charrsid9791786 airanga River Board}{\insrsid4525565 (1916) 35 N.Z.L.R. 643 a case concerned with a claim to accretion to land with a river boundary the Statement of Claim alleged the plaint iff was the owner of a parcel of land together with an accretion thereto caused by the gradual deposit of silt and shingle from the adjoining river.}{\insrsid16673250 \par }{\insrsid10510160 \par In my view the plaintiff should have pleaded that Lot 2 DP.}{\insrsid2584767 3842 was part of CT.}{\insrsid10510160 3894 }{\insrsid2584767 as being}{\insrsid10510160 }{\insrsid16456408 accretion t o the title. When alleging that the plaintiff held the land comprised in CT. 3894 the }{\insrsid10510160 DP. Reference to this title}{\insrsid16456408 }{\insrsid10510160 was 3689}{\insrsid16456408 }{\insrsid10510160 which was not correct. \par }{\insrsid7217119 \par The plaintiff did, however, produce a copy of DP.}{\insrsid16607437 }{\insrsid7217119 3842 }{\insrsid4616872 which}{\insrsid10445125 is a plan of CTs}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7217119 3894 and 3895.}{\insrsid17080 Since the defendant}{ \insrsid10445125 s}{\insrsid17080 denied they had extracted gravel from the plaint}{\insrsid10445125 iff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid17080 s land and conducted their defence}{\insrsid16351099 on the basis of this denial no gr}{\insrsid10445125 eat harm has been done by the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid16351099 s failure to properly plead his case.}{\insrsid10517090 The Court however may have had more information as regards Lot 2 on DP.}{\insrsid16607437 }{\insrsid10517090 3842 to which I will refer later in this judgment. At the hearing the question whether Lot 2 was accretion to the title}{\insrsid5078927 became the major issue of which the pleadings gave no hint.}{\insrsid7217119\charrsid3698093 \par }{\insrsid9272456 \par }{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 The plaintiff alleged that there were rich deposits of gravel both on his land (CT. 3894) and in the river and the basis of his claim is that the defendants took gravel not only from the river but also unlawfully from his land. \par }{\insrsid12144985 \par }{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 I was not impressed with the plaintiff and do not consider}{\insrsid10445125 him truthful. He alleged that }{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 he used to get $80,000 to $90,000 gross income from his gravel business}{ \insrsid13316186 }{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 -}{\insrsid13316186 }{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 presumably this was annually although he did not say so nor did he produce any documentary evidence to substantiate these figures. He alleged that because of the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 illegal actions in taking gravel from his land his clients threatened to sue him for breaking his contracts to supply}{\insrsid11549731\charrsid12144985 gravel. No contracts were produced by him. Under cross-examination the plaintiff admitted there were no written contracts but only verb al contracts. It is apparent from his evidence that what he complains about is that if and when he received orders to supply gravel he could not do so because of the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11549731\charrsid12144985 operation on his land. He alleged his business came to a standstill.}{\insrsid7812164\charrsid12144985 \par }{\highlight4\insrsid11549731 \par }{\insrsid15612398\charrsid2033528 The plai ntiff had to admit figures produced by Mr. Flower (counsel for third party) which indicated that after the defendants commenced operations he was still supplying gravel to his customers in quantities which were comparable to quantities he supplied in the m onths before the operations began. For example the plaintiff supplied 150 cubic yards in August 1974 and 100 cubic yards the following month. The defendants commenced operations on 4th November 1974. In that month the plaintiff supplied 150 cubic yards, i n January 1975 160 cubic yards, and in March of that year 200 cubic yards. It cannot be said his business came to }{\insrsid10445125 a }{\insrsid15612398\charrsid2033528 standstill.}{\insrsid7812164\charrsid2033528 \par }{\highlight4\insrsid15612398 \par }{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 I have referred to some only of the discrepancies. There are many others. Suffice it }{\insrsid13186908 is }{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 to say that the plaintiff is a man on whose veracity I can put very little reliance.}{\insrsid15612398\charrsid2978381 \par }{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 \par Dealing with the allegations of trespass the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 s case is that the defendants used his land during the operations, which extended from 4th November 1974 to some da te in April 1975, for parking of vehicles and equipment on his land. He alleged}{\insrsid15427259 2 or 3 acres of his land were a}{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 ffected by the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 operations and that he had not agreed to this and }{\insrsid15287063 had }{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 in fact protested to the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid2033528\charrsid2978381 officials on several occasions. \par }{\highlight4\insrsid2033528 \par }{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 Exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 C}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 clearly indicates that the only right negotiated by Government with the plaintiff was for unobstructed access across the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 s land to the Navua River.}{\insrsid2033528\charrsid3556717 \par }{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 \par Mr. Kenneth J. Crall, a civil engineer, employed by the defendants, whose evide nce I accept, told of a meeting he and a Mr. Shwartz had with the plaintiff just before operations began. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how the defendants were to carry out their operations on the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 s land. The plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 s road across his land to the river required upgrading. It was agreed that the defendants }{\insrsid15287063 would upgrade this road and there were discussions about the defendants using}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 s land to park equipment. The plaintiff asked if he could draw on the defendant}{\insrsid12803866\charrsid3556717 s}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12803866\charrsid3556717 stockpi le of gravel and it was agreed that the plaintiff could take gravel if the defendants could make use of his land for storing or parking equipment.}{\insrsid10833120\charrsid3556717 \par }{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 \par The plaintiff admitted he did take gravel from the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 stockpile although he would not admit to taking as much as Mr. Crall said he did take. There was a hole in front of the plaintiff}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 s land which the defendants filled to form a hard stand for its vehicles. \par \par I do not believe the plaintiff and accept Mr. Crall}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 s evidence that there was a }{\insrsid10297461 quid}{\insrsid16002577 }{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 pro quo for the defendants}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 use of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 s land, which was co}{\insrsid10297461 nfined to a small area, and fin}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 d as a fact that there was no trespass by the defendants on the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 s land so far as the alleged use of the land for parking vehicles, erection of generator-shed or turning of vehicles was concerned. The claim for damages for trespass fails. \par \par }{\insrsid9728135\charrsid3556717 So far as the claim for damages for alleged loss of contracts, which I interpret as loss of business, is concerned exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid9728135\charrsid3556717 C}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid9728135\charrsid3556717 indicates the plaintiff was paid a special price to compensat}{\insrsid10297461 e him for possible interference}{\insrsid9728135\charrsid3556717 with his own operations. He did not establish that he lost anything over the period in question. The evidence indicates that the amount }{\insrsid16002577 he received at 10 cents a cubic yard amounted }{\insrsid9728135\charrsid3556717 to a figure a little in excess of $5,300 in a period of about four months. Figures the plaintiff admitted to showing the level }{\insrsid16002577 of }{\insrsid9728135\charrsid3556717 his operation just prior to November 1974 would indicate that the return of 10 cents a cubic yard was a very satisfactory one for merely providing access across his land. In addition as I have mentioned he continued supplying gravel during the period at a level comparable to what he supplied before.}{\insrsid13444297\charrsid3556717 \par }{\highlight4\insrsid9728135 \par }{\insrsid5838170\charrsid7148155 The plaintiff did experience difficulty in extracting gravel after the defendants left the area. The plainti ff moved in with his equipment to extract gravel and found he could not reach the gravel. The defendants had dug a deep hole in extracting gravel with the use of a dragline. The plaintiff also had a dragline but it had a boom }{\insrsid16002577 of only about one-third the length of the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid16002577 boom }{\insrsid5838170\charrsid7148155 and he could not reach the gravel. He says he had to borrow money to }{\insrsid10509898\charrsid7148155 purchase}{ \insrsid5838170\charrsid7148155 a bigger dragline which he purchased in 1976 and he filled in the hole}{\insrsid10509898\charrsid7148155 the defendants dug with 120,000 cubic yards of gravel to level off the land. T his 120,000 cubic yards represented close on 10 years}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10509898\charrsid7148155 supply of gravel at }{\insrsid10297461 the}{\insrsid10509898\charrsid7148155 rate he was supplying gravel before the defendants started operations on his land.}{\insrsid7148155\charrsid7148155 He did contend that the filling was necessary to protect his land and there was evidence that the defendants had extracted gravel closer to his boundary than would have been permitted by Government if the defendants has a licence to extract gravel which they did not have but the plaintiff offered no evidence as to the cost of fil}{ \insrsid12479401 l}{\insrsid7148155\charrsid7148155 ing in the hole or any evidence that it was}{\insrsid12479401 necessary to protect his land.}{\insrsid9728135\charrsid7148155 \par }{\highlight4\insrsid7812164 \par }{\insrsid3032238\charrsid5647047 The defendants cannot be held liable for any expense incurred by the plaintiff due to the fact that his dragline was too small to work the gravel deposits.}{\insrsid7812164\charrsid5647047 \par }{\insrsid3032238\charrsid5647047 \par }{\insrsid10442037\charrsid5647047 I find as a fact that the plaintiff has not established that he suffered any loss to his business during the defendant}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10442037\charrsid5647047 s operations on his land and his claim in this respect fails.}{\insrsid3032238\charrsid5647047 \par }{\insrsid10442037\charrsid5647047 \par }{\insrsid5647047\charrsid5647047 I have now to consider the main issue whether in extracting gravel the defendants took gravel from the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12479401 s land.}{\insrsid10442037\charrsid5647047 \par }{\insrsid5647047\charrsid5647047 \par The plaintiff in evidence in chief stated that Government informed him that the defendants wished to extract gravel from the Navua River}{\insrsid8941955 and his land}{\insrsid1717695 and he confirmed this in }{\insrsid12339977 an }{\insrsid1717695 answer to the Court. Mr. Knight very fairly admitted that the defendants never understood the negotiations between Government and the plaintiff envisaged the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1717695 extracting gravel from the plaintiff}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1717695 s land and their case rested on their denial that they}{\insrsid862956 took any gravel from his land.}{\insrsid5647047 \par }{\insrsid1717695 \par It was agreed by counsel that the total gravel extracted by the defendants was 53,310 cubic yards but I have no evidence as to how much was taken from the r}{\insrsid12339977 iver and how much from the land the plaintiff claimed was his land, }{ \insrsid862956 other than an }{\insrsid12339977 estimate by Mr. Beale that 25,000 yards came from the river}{\insrsid1717695 and 25,000 from the shingle beds. How Mr. Beale arrived at these figures was not stated by him.}{\insrsid1717695\charrsid5647047 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2433601 {\insrsid11087364 \par }{\insrsid11807684 The plaintiff in his Statement of Claim stated he held }{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid11807684 land in fee simple comprised in CT.}{\insrsid10441759 }{\insrsid11807684 3894 DP 3689 }{\insrsid862956 -}{\insrsid11807684 CT}{ \insrsid3867452 . 3895 DP 3842}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid3867452 this was admitted in the Defence. No areas were shown and as I have already stated no basis was laid by the plaintiff to allege that CT. 3894}{\insrsid9384287 contained an area by accretion larger than the area of 23 acres 1 rood 11 perches shown in the title. A copy of DP. }{\insrsid94851 3689 was not produced. A copy of DP.3842 was produced and indicates thereon that it is a plan of CTs 3894 and 3895.}{ \insrsid11807684 \par }{\insrsid1189844 \par }{\insrsid1189844\charrsid12719866 DP. 3842 s}{\insrsid10441759 hows 3 Lots in CT. 3894. Lot 1 -}{\insrsid1189844\charrsid12719866 22 }{\insrsid10441759 acres 1 rood 23 perches. Lot 2 -}{\insrsid1189844\charrsid12719866 1 acre 3 roods 02 perches and Lot 3}{\insrsid10441759 }{\insrsid1189844\charrsid12719866 - a road reserve, 1 rood 15 perches. Lots 1 and 3 in area total 22 acres 2 perches 38 perches which is less than the area shown in the title. }{ \insrsid9856467\charrsid12719866 Mr. Farid Khan, a surveyor, called by the plaintiff calculated that the original area in title 3894}{\insrsid12063362\charrsid12719866 was 23 acres 1 rood 36 perches. Mr. Bruhns, a surveyor, called by the defendants, threw considerable doubt}{\insrsid10441759 on the accuracy of}{\insrsid6294061\charrsid12719866 the survey carried out by Mr. Carter in 1972 repre}{\insrsid12719866 sented by DP. 3842 and Mr. Khan}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid6294061\charrsid12719866 s calculations.}{\insrsid7417451 Mr. Khan also found Mr. Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid6294061\charrsid12719866 s plan to be incorrect.}{\insrsid10441759 \par \par }{\insrsid6294061\charrsid12719866 It was only during the trial that it emerged that Lot 2 was the area that the plaintiff claimed was his land by the law of accretion. The pleadings gave no hint of this claim.}{\insrsid1189844 \par }{\insrsid6294061 \par }{\insrsid3221742 P}{\insrsid6294061 hotocopies of aerial survey photos are attache}{\insrsid7417451 d to Mr. Khan}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7417451 s report exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7417451 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid6294061 . They are so faint as to be almost useless}{\insrsid20862 but Mr. Khan has plotted on the p}{\insrsid7417451 hotos the plan of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid20862 s land as taken from DP. 3842. }{\insrsid7417451 The first photo Plan }{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid20862 E}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid20862 is a photograph taken in 1953. Lot 2 shows a dark area similar to l}{\insrsid7417451 and. The other photograph Plan }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid20862 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid20862 (though not so marked) shows that Lot 2 is a totally white area which would appear to be shingle devoid of any vegetation.}{\insrsid6294061 \par }{\insrsid20862 \par A further photo (not a photocopy) is on file not marked as an exhibit and was produced when the Court complained a}{\insrsid7417451 bout the poor quality of Plans }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid20862 E}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7417451 and }{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7417451 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid20862 . My recollection is that it was supposed to be a photo of }{\insrsid7417451 which either Plan }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 E}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7417451 or }{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7417451 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 was a copy and it was accepted on this basis. A study of this photo indicates that Plans }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 E}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 and }{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 cannot be a photocopy of this photo although it resembles the 1967 photo but taken from a much greater height unless Plan }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 F}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 is an enlargement of part of this photo. I accordingly ignore this photo.}{\insrsid20862 \par }{\insrsid3221742 \par What these aerial photos }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 E}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 and }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3221742 do highlight, however, is that between 1953 and 1967 there is a marked change of the area in Lot 2. In 1953 it appears to be all land and in 1967 all shingle showing either the effect of the river during those y}{\insrsid10950473 ears or operations on the land. \par \par }{\insrsid3221742 In April 1972 when Mr. Carter carried out his survey Lot 2 was entirely shingle bed according to the notation on the plan. \par \par The plaintiff however would have the Court believe that by the time he purchased the land 8 months later this area was dry land with earth on it and grass and guava growing on it which he states he cleared. I do not believe him. \par \par Mr}{\insrsid159524 . Beale, a mines inspector, called by the plaintiff spoke of a visit to the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid159524 s land in May or June 1973 and described the then existing gravel deposits }{\insrsid10950473 -}{\insrsid159524 a shingle bed which had disappeared when he visited the area in June 1975.}{\insrsid3221742 \par }{\insrsid159524 \par }{\insrsid345029 Mr. Seque a works supervisor employed by the defendants who was on the site virtually every day gravel was being extracted gave evidence. He stated that where gravel beds}{\insrsid3373675 were high they were out of the water but oth erwise the river water came right up to the vegetation on the river bank. He took photos and prod}{\insrsid10950473 uced four of them (exhibits B1 -}{\insrsid3373675 4).}{\insrsid159524 \par }{\insrsid3373675 \par Photos 1 to 3 were taken the first day the defendants commenced operations. Photos 1 and 2 clearly sh}{\insrsid7417451 ow water right up to the point on the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s land from which the photos were taken. Photo 3 shows a well defined river bank visible gravel and a lot of water. Photo 4 is taken from the opposite bank and shows the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s land and equipment thereon . Nowhere in these photos is there any sign of shingle beds above water as appear in Plans }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 and as found by Mr. Carter. \par \par Whether the shingle bed has disappeared as a result of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s operations or the operations of others or the act ion of the river or a combination of these factors I am unable to determine from the evidence before me. \par \par I accept Mr. Seque}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s evidence that photos 1 to 3 of exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 G}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 were taken the day the defendants commenced operations. These photos clearly indicate no well defined shingle deposits above water. Mr. Crall also confirmed Mr. Seque}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s evidence. \par \par The plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s case in Court was that all the gravel extracted by the defendants came from Lot 2 DP. 3842 and that Lot 2 was the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid3373675 s land. \par \par CT.}{\insrsid14645459 }{\insrsid3373675 3894 was issued on 23}{\insrsid7417451 rd}{\insrsid3373675 December 1914 and contains reference to CT. 3068 and Crown Grant Titles Book C Folio 325 with the reservations contained therein. There was no evidence as to whether there were any reservations. The area shown in the title is 23 acres 1 rood and 11 perches. The description of the land indicates that the Navua}{\insrsid12780817 River boundary was its left bank along the high water mark. There was no evidence that the river was tidal at that point and such evidence as there was indicated it was non tidal. There was however a definite bank and this is also shown in Carter}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12780817 s Plan DP. 3842 and indicated thereon by claw marks. Photo No. 3 of exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12780817 G}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12780817 clearly indicates a river bank. According to the title that bank is the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12780817 s river boundary whether it is in the same position now as when the are}{\insrsid5118713 a was surveyed in 1905 or even i}{ \insrsid12780817 n 1972 when Carter carried out his survey or as it exists today.}{\insrsid3373675 \par }{\insrsid12780817 \par }{\insrsid12780817\charrsid16208314 Mr. Farid Khan a registered surveyor gave evidence for the plaintiff and submitted a report with a number of plans. Hi}{\insrsid14645459 s report which is undated states}{\insrsid12780817\charrsid16208314 that }{ \insrsid5118713\charrsid16208314 t}{\insrsid12780817\charrsid16208314 he original survey done on 3}{\insrsid11479090\charrsid16208314 rd}{\insrsid12780817\charrsid16208314 January 1905 was not correct for reasons which he stated. He stated that the length of one boundary was shown as 2873.6 links and this should have been 2922.6 links because a bua bua peg was set}{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 49 links back from the river bank. What this witness overlooked is that on the same boundary the figures of 2819.15 CR (whatever }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 CR}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 may mean) are shown in brackets. If to this figure the figures of 49 links and 5 links the distance two pegs are set back from boundaries are added together the total is 2873.5 }{\insrsid14365493\charrsid16208314 which approximate}{\insrsid14645459 s}{ \insrsid14365493\charrsid16208314 the figure of 2873.6. The figure of 2819.5 }{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 in brackets is in my view the distance between the two pegs and the figure of 2873.5 is the distance from boundary to boundary.}{ \insrsid12780817\charrsid16208314 \par }{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 \par By adding 49 links onto 2873.5 Mr. Khan ended up with his river boundary 49 links further forward and this puts all his calculation out. My view is confirmed by the evidence given by Mr. Bruhns a registered surveyor. \par \par Mr. Khan was of the view that Mr. Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 s Plan DP.3842 also contained errors, a view shared by Mr. Bruhns. The plan, however, was approved as to survey and registered. \par \par Because of his}{\insrsid16208314\charrsid16208314 error I cannot accept Mr. Khan}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 s report except where it is confirmed by Mr. B}{\insrsid16208314\charrsid16208314 ruhn}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s evidence which I accept or other acceptable evidence.}{\insrsid10553710\charrsid16208314 \par }{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 \par Mr. Bruhns produce}{\insrsid16208314\charrsid16208314 d a number of plans which he had}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 prepared after surveying done by him on the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s land and after a detailed search of titles and previous surveys of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s land. \par \par Mr. Bruhns stated that Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s plan DP. 4155 in respect of Danford}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s land CT. 3857 which adjoins the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s land and which was adopted by Surveyor Tapper did not tally with what was on the ground. Surveyor Knight who gave evidence for the defendant}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s stated DP. 4155 showed accretion to CT. 3857 but as Surveyor Knight testified he found part of Lot 5 (the alleged accretion area) was in fact under water. Mr. Bruhns checked the northern and southern boundaries of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid1928283\charrsid16208314 s land and found}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 that the survey information disclosed an error. He stated that Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 s survey DP. 3842 showed the original river boundary in the incorrect place and that it should have been shown further forward at the position shown by the front yellow line in plan exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 L}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 . Mr. Bruhns tendered Surveyor Tapper}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 s plan exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 M}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 and expressed his opinion }{\insrsid5930781\charrsid7566509 that Tapper ha}{\insrsid7171759 d}{\insrsid5930781\charrsid7566509 either not established the river boundary or there had been a change of the river bank.}{ \insrsid1928283\charrsid7566509 \par }{\insrsid10553710 \par }{\insrsid7566509\charrsid16208314 He referred also to Belcher}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7566509\charrsid16208314 s survey done in September 1971 (exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7566509\charrsid16208314 K}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid7566509\charrsid16208314 ) and stated Belcher}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid7566509\charrsid16208314 s note book indicated that gravel operations were then taking place in an area adjoining the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid7566509\charrsid16208314 s land. He said the significance of this was, that the shingle bed could have been disturbed, and when Carter surveyed the land the bank could not have been in its natural state. \par }{\insrsid8066323\charrsid16208314 \par }{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 Mr. Bruhns produced a plan he initially prepared (exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 N}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 ). The shaded yellow area shows shingle as appears in the 1967 aerial photo. The curved line edged red is Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 s land (DP. 3842) and the dotted line forward of it is the ban k as Mr. Bruhns found it in 1975.}{\insrsid8066323\charrsid6180773 \par }{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 \par If Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 s 1972 line is correct, and there is considerable evidence that it is not, what it indicates is the bank has moved back since the 1905 survey and this is confirmed by Belcher}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 s survey of 1971 which shows both erosion and slight accretion. By the time Mr. Bruhns surveyed in 1975 the bank had moved forward but not to the original boundary line (N.S. 174 of 1905). \par \par Exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 L}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 a plan drawn by Mr. Bruhns on which he has plotted a compilation of surveys of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 s land indicates the variations in the river boundary of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 s land. \par \par Except for an area on the southern boundary Mr. Bruhn}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 s survey in June}{\insrsid10713755\charrsid6180773 1975 and Belcher}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid10713755\charrsid6180773 s}{ \insrsid15236362\charrsid6180773 in July 1971 indicate only minor variations in the position of the river bank.}{\insrsid13304588\charrsid6180773 The southern portion of the boundary judging by surveyor }{\insrsid6180773\charrsid6180773 K}{ \insrsid13304588\charrsid6180773 han}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13304588\charrsid6180773 s survey of October 1975 }{\insrsid4488453\charrsid6180773 indicates that between July 1971 and October 1975 the water line had encroached beyond the original survey line and Belcher}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid4488453\charrsid6180773 s 1971 survey line but not as far as the def inite river bank by Mr. Bruhns in June 1975.}{\insrsid11033778\charrsid6180773 \par }{\insrsid15542613\charrsid6180773 \par }{\insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 What exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 L}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 also discloses is that the shingle bed shown in Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 s plan between Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 s water line of April 1972 and Khan}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 s water line of October}{ \insrsid10639731\charrsid12741805 1975 has}{\insrsid13836463\charrsid12741805 disappeared. Both Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13836463\charrsid12741805 s and Khan}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid13836463\charrsid12741805 s survey are suspect b}{ \insrsid10946516 ut on the evidence it is clear}{\insrsid13836463\charrsid12741805 that the shingle bed has disappeared but when it disappeared I cannot ascertained.}{\insrsid15542613\charrsid12741805 \par }{\insrsid2378449\charrsid12741805 \par }{\insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 On the evidence of the photo exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 G}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 (photo 3) and Messrs. Seque}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 s and Crall}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 s evidence there was no shingle bed as found by Mr. Carter in April 1972 existing on 4}{\insrsid12741805\charrsid12741805 th}{ \insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 November, 1974.}{\insrsid2378449\charrsid12741805 \par }{\highlight7\insrsid6701528\charrsid6180773 \par }{\insrsid15417512\charrsid12741805 In my view the original grant of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15417512\charrsid12741805 s land bounded by the Navua River did n}{\insrsid10946516 ot entitle the grantee to claim }{ \insrsid15417512\charrsid12741805 that he held the land ad medium filum aquae.}{\insrsid2979893\charrsid12741805 This is clear from the Rivers and St reams Ordinance where it is stipulated that all waters in Fiji which the natives have been accustomed to traverse in takias or canoes and the soil thereunder shall belong to the Crown and in respect of streams the bed thereof also belongs to the Crown. Th e common law presumption that a river boundary extends to the middle line of the river is excluded by the Ordinance.}{\insrsid6701528\charrsid12741805 \par }{\insrsid1730048\charrsid12741805 \par In }{\b\i\insrsid1730048\charrsid10946516 Kingdon v. The Hutt River Board}{\insrsid1730048\charrsid12741805 (1906) 25 N.Z.L.R. p.145 it was held that the bed of the river extends from bank to bank.}{\insrsid1730048 \par }{\insrsid10946516\charrsid12741805 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1730048 {\insrsid12741805\charrsid12741805 Stout C.J. at pages}{\insrsid10946516 157 -}{\insrsid1730048\charrsid12741805 8 stated:}{\insrsid1730048 \par }{\insrsid10946516\charrsid12741805 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10946516 {\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid1730048\charrsid12741805 But in the ordinary rainy season the water is confined within the bank and as it frequently extends from bank to bank during such season and reaches the bank on the claimant}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1730048\charrsid12741805 s land we are of the opinion}{\insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 that the shingle from bank to bank is within what may properly be called the }{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 bed}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 of the river although the water of the river does not in the dry weather ordinarily flow over such shingle.}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid1730048\charrsid12741805 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1730048 {\insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 \par It was also held in Kingdon}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 s case that all shingle which was brought down from time to time by the river and deposited in the bed of the river opposite the claimant}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 s land became part of the bed of the}{\insrsid10946516 river and that the}{\insrsid12741805\charrsid12741805 claimant}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12741805\charrsid12741805 s right}{\insrsid11668019\charrsid12741805 did not extend to shingle deposited in the bed of the river. \par }{\insrsid804614\charrsid12741805 \par The evidence before me convinces me that the shingle bed when it existed was a bare shingle bed devoid of vegetation.}{\insrsid8002666\charrsid12741805 There was no evidence of}{\insrsid12741805\charrsid12741805 a bank between the shingle }{ \insrsid8002666\charrsid12741805 and the water of the Navua River nor any acceptable evidence that any earth had built up on it.}{\insrsid5456898\charrsid12741805 This would indicate tha t the action of the water had prevented growth and accretion of land as distinct from shingle.}{\insrsid1470369\charrsid12741805 On the evidence the }{\insrsid10949493\charrsid12741805 shingle bed was part of}{\insrsid2191769\charrsid12741805 the bed of the river and vested in the Crown.}{\insrsid5534237\charrsid12741805 This would dispose of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid5534237\charrsid12741805 s claim but for the apparent acceptance of DP. 3842 by the Registrar of title.}{ \insrsid804614\charrsid12741805 \par }{\insrsid8747002\charrsid12741805 \par Approaching this problem from another angle and that is whether there was in fact any accretion to the plaintiff land it is necessary to consider whether there can be }{\insrsid2253544\charrsid12741805 any accretion }{\insrsid27472 to land }{ \insrsid6123328\charrsid12741805 under the Land Transfer Act.}{\insrsid15866169\charrsid12741805 The Act is silent on this point but the law is clear }{\insrsid12741805\charrsid12741805 that where }{\insrsid15866169\charrsid12741805 land is bounded by a river under the Torrens}{\insrsid27472 system there can be accretion }{\insrsid15866169\charrsid12741805 and erosion as the boundary advances or recedes due to the action of the river.}{\insrsid8747002\charrsid12741805 \par }{\highlight7\insrsid2565553\charrsid6180773 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7751533 {\insrsid2565553\charrsid12009897 In }{\b\i\insrsid2565553\charrsid27472 Atto rney General, Ex Relatione Hutt River Board and Hutt River Board v. Leighton}{\insrsid2565553\charrsid12009897 (1955) N.Z.L.R. 750 law of accretion to land was fully discussed.}{\insrsid14225222\charrsid12009897 This case is of assistance as it dealt with land under the Torrens}{\insrsid16074485\charrsid12009897 S}{\insrsid14225222\charrsid12009897 ystem which had a river boundary where by statu}{\insrsid2253941\charrsid12009897 te the bed of the river was vested in the Crown. }{\insrsid7751533\charrsid12009897 In this case the minority judgment of Adam J. is of assistance at p.}{\insrsid27472 }{\insrsid7751533\charrsid12009897 783/4 he states:}{\insrsid2565553\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid7751533\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7751533 {\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid7751533\charrsid12009897 In the case of the river boundary, the boundary may be variously stated as being the river, or the water, or the banks of the river; but the meaning is }{\insrsid16074485\charrsid12009897 always }{\insrsid7751533\charrsid12009897 the same.}{ \insrsid4925353\charrsid12009897 Where there is a defined river-}{\insrsid16335867\charrsid12009897 bank, the line is not the top of the bank, but the line to which the }{\insrsid16074485\charrsid12009897 water }{\insrsid16335867\charrsid12009897 comes } {\b\i\insrsid16335867\charrsid27472 Clarke v. City of Edmonton}{\insrsid8914425\charrsid12009897 (1929 4 DLR 1010,}{\insrsid16335867\charrsid12009897 1024)}{\insrsid12325168\charrsid12009897 the reference being of course}{ \insrsid4918015\charrsid12009897 , to the line }{\insrsid6568306\charrsid12009897 of the water when it exactly fills the bed in a normal flood or fresh; and a river boundary of this kind is also the boundary of the land.}{\insrsid9196630 "}{ \insrsid7751533\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid27472 {\insrsid6568306\charrsid12009897 \par He goes on to say at page 784: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7751533 {\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid6568306\charrsid12009897 A river consist of t}{\insrsid27472 he water the bed and the banks -}{ \insrsid6568306\charrsid12009897 the banks being the outermost points of the bed on either side and the bed being the ground covered by the water at its fullest flow in the ordinary floods:\'85\'85}{\insrsid12132838\charrsid12009897 It is well established that the boundary line of lands bounded by water is not a fixed and unchanging line but one that shift s or fluctuates in accordance with the natural changes in the position of the bed occurring by gradual and imperceptible processes.}{\insrsid9196630 "}{\insrsid6568306\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12132838 {\insrsid12132838\charrsid12009897 \par In }{\b\i\insrsid12132838\charrsid27472 Humphrey v. Burnell}{\b\insrsid12132838\charrsid27472 }{\insrsid12132838\charrsid12009897 1951 N.Z.L.R. p. 262}{\insrsid7929972\charrsid12009897 it was held that the principles of law relating to accretion apply to Land Transfer land so that}{\insrsid14822406\charrsid12009897 , when accretion or erosion takes place an owner may become entitled to or more or less land than is evidenced by his certificate of title.}{\insrsid12132838\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid6166218\charrsid12009897 \par The law is clear that if in fact there has }{\insrsid8914425\charrsid12009897 been accretion to land that land}{\insrsid6166218\charrsid12009897 belongs to the owner of that land. \par \par }{\insrsid6166218\charrsid4868171 Where I have experienced difficulty is due to the fact that DP. 3842 on the face of it was accepted for registration and whether by virtue of that registration Lot 2 is included in CT. 3894. \par }{\insrsid10182772\charrsid4868171 \par If in this case there had been accretion to the land in CT. 3894 it would follow that the title would be incorrect}{\insrsid10182772\charrsid12009897 .}{\insrsid9722543\charrsid12009897 This could be corrected by an a}{\insrsid13005826 pplication to the Registrar of T}{\insrsid9722543\charrsid12009897 itles for the addition of the accretion.}{\insrsid10182772\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid12727067\charrsid12009897 \par There is no evidence before me as to the procedure followed in Fiji other }{\insrsid13005826 than }{\insrsid12727067\charrsid12009897 the evidence}{\insrsid13397846\charrsid12009897 of surveyors who practiced in Fiji. Land which is claimed as accretion}{ \insrsid14645989\charrsid12009897 must be shown as a }{\insrsid13260664\charrsid12009897 separate lot as was shown by Carter in DP.}{\insrsid13005826 }{\insrsid13260664\charrsid12009897 3842.}{\insrsid15815099\charrsid12009897 I have no evidence as to} {\insrsid12346852\charrsid12009897 what procedure the Registrar}{\insrsid15815099\charrsid12009897 of }{\insrsid12346852\charrsid12009897 T}{\insrsid15815099\charrsid12009897 itles follows when such plan}{\insrsid13005826 i}{ \insrsid15815099\charrsid12009897 s deposited.}{\insrsid12727067\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid7880046\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3046700 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid7880046\charrsid12009897 A complete copy of CT. 3894 might have shown that the title had been corrected as to area and description but I am in the dark as to how the plaintiff acquired title in view of the notation on the plan}{\insrsid13268186\charrsid12009897 that there would be no further dealings accepted until}{\insrsid7300733\charrsid12009897 Lot 3 was dedicated. I would have expected that if Lot 3 had been dedicated a new title would have issued to the plaintiff when the title was transferred to him on whic}{\insrsid13005826 h a plan of Lots 1 and 2 DP. 38}{\insrsid7300733\charrsid12009897 4 }{\insrsid13005826 2}{\insrsid7300733\charrsid12009897 would appear and the area shown in the title would be the area of these two Lots.}{\insrsid3016549\charrsid12009897 These did not happen and the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid3016549\charrsid12009897 s title is still CT.}{\insrsid13005826 }{\insrsid3016549\charrsid12009897 3894.}{\insrsid7880046\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid3016549\charrsid12009897 \par This leads me to the view that while the plan has been registered no action might have }{\insrsid16123084\charrsid12009897 been taken to establish that}{\insrsid3016549\charrsid12009897 Lot 2 is accretion to the title.}{\insrsid16123084\charrsid12009897 The plaintiff neither pleaded that Lot 2 was accretion nor satisfactorily established that it was accretion.}{\insrsid3016549\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid7154783\charrsid12009897 \par Some guidance can be obtained from the Australian and New Zealand procedure which countries also have the Torrens Land System. \par }{\insrsid4858200\charrsid12009897 \par In New Zealand there must be application for correction of the certificate of title supported by a statutory declaration.}{\insrsid403608\charrsid12009897 There must be a supporting corroboration declaration from at least one disinterested person.}{ \insrsid1523244\charrsid12009897 The declarations are expected to establish the following matters.}{\insrsid4858200\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12009897 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12521360\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 1. }{\insrsid15468493\charrsid12009897 Accretion has arisen from natural causes.}{\insrsid1523244 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 2. }{\insrsid16214413\charrsid12009897 Accretion has been gradual and imperceptible.}{\insrsid16214413 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 3. }{\insrsid16214413\charrsid12009897 Accretion is not subject to ordinary floods.}{\insrsid16214413 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 4. }{\insrsid16126164\charrsid12009897 That vegetation now grows on it.}{\insrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid12009897 5. }{\insrsid16126164\charrsid12009897 That the new bank of the water is of a permanent or solid nature and not liable to wash away under ordinary conditions. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12009897 {\insrsid16126164\charrsid12009897 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16126164 {\insrsid4532311\charrsid12009897 In the instant case the acceptable evidence indicates that the vegetation was not growing on the shingle bed and there was no new bank of a permanent or solid nature.}{\insrsid16126164\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid9773241\charrsid12009897 \par Notice of application is given by the New Zealand Transfer Office to all persons who may be }{\insrsid15874454\charrsid12009897 detrimentally}{\insrsid10111040\charrsid12009897 affected. In the }{\insrsid12345953\charrsid12009897 present case the Crown is interested as owner of the bed of the river.}{\insrsid9773241\charrsid12009897 \par }{\insrsid8547910\charrsid12009897 \par The application}{\insrsid11614512\charrsid12009897 is also required to be supported by a plan of survey}{\insrsid11614512\charrsid10488580 .}{\insrsid8547910 \par }{\insrsid7892498 \par }{\insrsid7892498\charrsid8330631 In New South Wa}{\insrsid8002237\charrsid8330631 les where a plan lodged for registration shows a boundary defined by the line of a bank of a non tidal river in a position different from that shown in the basic survey plan}{\insrsid3869817\charrsid8330631 it will be determine by investigation whether the change occurred either gradually and imperceptibly or by accretion or is the result of erroneous basic survey information.}{\insrsid7892498 \par }{\insrsid9921722 \par }{\insrsid9921722\charrsid3015512 Before the plan is registered the attitude of any adversely affected}{\insrsid12537612\charrsid3015512 landowner will be ascertained either by his consenting to the plan or by the }{\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 R}{ \insrsid12537612\charrsid3015512 egistrar General serving him with notice.}{\insrsid9921722\charrsid3015512 \par }{\insrsid5775443\charrsid3015512 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3046700 {\insrsid5775443\charrsid3015512 Unsatisfactory as the evidence is it is a fact that DP. 3842 which purports to be a plan of CT}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid5775443\charrsid3015512 s 3894 and 3895 and which contains a notation that it has been approved as to survey}{\insrsid2188417\charrsid3015512 has been accepted for registration.}{\insrsid1523244\charrsid3015512 \par }{\insrsid12400308\charrsid3015512 \par Lot 2 shows the old high water mark and a bank between the land and the shingle bed.}{\insrsid12335972\charrsid3015512 There is no bank between the shingle }{\insrsid10184656 bed and the water. The doubts thro}{\insrsid12335972\charrsid3015512 wn on the accuracy of Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12335972\charrsid3015512 s DP.}{\insrsid10184656 }{\insrsid12335972\charrsid3015512 3842 and the foregoing features}{\insrsid16515390\charrsid3015512 shown on the plan should have resulted in the plan being rejected but it was not.}{\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 I mu}{\insrsid1736220\charrsid3015512 st therefore accept that when the plan was registered on 26}{\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 th}{ \super\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 }{\insrsid1736220\charrsid3015512 July}{\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 1972 the R}{\insrsid1736220\charrsid3015512 egistrar was satisfied that Lot 2 was part of CT. 3894, and was part of the plaintiff}{ \insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1736220\charrsid3015512 s land.}{\insrsid12400308\charrsid3015512 \par }{\insrsid419479\charrsid3015512 \par I am concerned, however, with the position as at 4}{\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 th}{\super\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 }{\insrsid419479\charrsid3015512 November 1974 when the defendants commenced their operations extracting gravel.}{ \insrsid6234521\charrsid3015512 I am satisfied that on that date the shingle bed no longer existed.}{\insrsid15950875\charrsid3015512 The cause of its disappearance between July 1972 and November 1974 is not known but it is clear that gravel was extracted during that period.}{\insrsid419479\charrsid3015512 \par }{\insrsid10226038\charrsid3015512 \par The evidence before me indicates a number of changes of the shingle bed which in 1972 Carter made Lot 2 on DP. 3842. \par }{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 \par In 1953 aerial photo Plan }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 E}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 shows that Lot 2 was virtually all land. In 1967 aerial photo Plan }{\insrsid12152860 '}{ \insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 F}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 shows Lot 2 as being all shingle. Exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 N}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 refers to an aerial plot in 1968 showing a boundary between the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 s land and a well defined shingle area similar to the shingle shown in the 1967 photo.}{\insrsid1981144\charrsid3015512 On exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid1981144\charrsid3015512 N}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15162648\charrsid3015512 is shown Carter}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15162648\charrsid3015512 s river boundary surveyed in 1972. It is clear that between 1968 and 1972 a good half of the shingle bed in front of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid15162648\charrsid3015512 s land had disappeared.}{\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 In 1973 ther e was sti}{\insrsid6165195\charrsid3015512 ll a shingle bed but the extent}{\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 of it is not known. By 4}{\super\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 th}{\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 November 1974 according to witnesses called by the Defence and as appears from the photos exhibit }{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 G}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 the}{\insrsid6165195\charrsid3015512 shingle bed of 1972 no longer }{\insrsid599442\charrsid3015512 existed.}{\insrsid12672135\charrsid3015512 \par }{\insrsid11239421\charrsid3015512 \par The evidence satisfies me that Lot 2 if it was accretion in 1972 and part of the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11239421\charrsid3015512 s title was by November 1974 part of the bed }{\insrsid14368864\charrsid3015512 of the Navua River and vested in the Crown. I find as a fact that that was the position in November 1974 and since the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid14368864\charrsid3015512 s case is that gravel was extract ed by the defendants from Lot 2 and not Lot 1 DP. 3842 the extraction of gravel was not unlawful and the plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid14368864\charrsid3015512 s claim fails.}{\insrsid11239421\charrsid3015512 \par }{\insrsid11743614\charrsid3015512 \par The plaintiff}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11743614\charrsid3015512 s claims against the defendants are dismissed with costs to the defendants. \par \par Since the question of indemnity does not arise in the third party }{\insrsid15673522\charrsid3015512 action }{\insrsid11743614\charrsid3015512 the defendants}{\insrsid12152860 '}{\insrsid11743614\charrsid3015512 claim against the third party is dismissed with no order as to costs. \par }{\insrsid9131027\charrsid3015512 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6508079 {\b\insrsid9131027\charrsid1716380 (SGD) R.G.}{\b\insrsid1716380\charrsid1716380 }{\b\insrsid9131027\charrsid1716380 Kermode \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1716380 {\b\insrsid9131027\charrsid1716380 JUDGE}{\b\insrsid1716380\charrsid1716380 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1716380 {\insrsid1716380 \par }{\insrsid1716380\charrsid3015512 Suva \par 9th}{\insrsid1716380 September, 1977.}{\insrsid9131027\charrsid3046700 \par }}