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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI
\par (WESTERN DIVISION)
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6757038 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8788263 AT LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6757038\charrsid8788263 CIVIL JURISDICTION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8788263 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6757038 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6757038\charrsid8416429 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 Action No. 142 of 1977
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid12072422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 MUTHU KRISHNA }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid12072422 
alias}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429  DAUD KHAN
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid12072422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid12072422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12072422 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 1. WALI MOHAMMED}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8788263  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 f/n Not known}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid12072422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8416429 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 2. MOHAMMED BASIR KHAN}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8788263  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid8416429 s/o Wali Mohammed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5459300\charrsid8416429 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12208978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429 
\par Mr. A. Patel & Mr. Punja, Counsel for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. G.P. Shankar, Counsel for the Defendants
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid879880 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429\charrsid879880 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12208978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8416429 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 This is an action for damages arising out of a collision between two motor lorries at Tuvu on the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6426380 main roa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879880 d between Lautoka and Ba.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978  It }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15995551\charrsid12208978 occurred}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978  in the morning during daylight on a tarsealed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879880  surface. Although there had bee}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 n some}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6426380  rain the surface of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879880 road w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 as dry.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879880\charrsid12208978 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 The plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8983555\charrsid12208978 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879880 s claim is for $3,643.17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978  of which $2,243.17 is a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879880 
lleged to be the cost of repairs and $1,400 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 he cost of hiring other transport.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993\charrsid12208978 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 The accident }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993\charrsid12208978 occurred}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 
 on 12th January 1977 and the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8983555\charrsid12208978 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 
s claim was filed on 7th July, 1977.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 On 5/8/77 a defence was fi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993 led which denie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 
s negligence and inc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993 ludes a counterclaim for $1,476.47, loss of earnings amounting to $1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 
,680.00 and a claim for $1,000 being the alleged depreciation in value giving a total of $4,156.47.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993\charrsid12256066 Both motor lorries are used for conveying and selling }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214243\charrsid12256066 petroleum products which are obtained from the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066 shell Depot at Vuda. The plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066 
s lorry was proceeding towards Ba and the other was going in the opposite direction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12011993\charrsid12256066 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066 
\par The defence account as to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  how the accident occurred is presented by two persons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066  who were in a }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066 Pine Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066  Land Rover}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12131157  had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878376\charrsid12256066  travelling in the same direction}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  as the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066 s motor lorry, i.e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12131157 .
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  from Ba towards Lautoka. They are D.W.1, Semesi, who was a passenger in the rear of the Land Rove}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8728235 r and D.W.2, Timoci, the driver.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  D.W.2 says that he saw the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066 s lorry ahead just before t
he accident. He denied that he endeavoured to overtake it but claimed that he saw the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066 
s lorry approaching from the opposite direction that he actually saw the driver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066 s hand}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12131157 s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  as the latter turn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8728235 ed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  his steering towards the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066 s truck. How D.W.2 could see this in such detail}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 , from behind the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s truck}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12256066  which was carrying large}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12131157 
 petrol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245  tanks I find difficult to comprehend. D.W.2 also denied that he had pulled out to overtake the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s motor lorry and denied that anyone called out to 
him not to try and overtake it. His evidence contrasts strongly with that of his passengers D.W.1 who said that D.W.2 pulled out to overtake the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s lorry and he noticed the plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12131157 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12131157 
s approaching motor-lorry. He }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 says that the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s driver d
eliberately swerved towards the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s motor lorry, and he called out to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5847402 
 D.W.2 to fall behind and not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245  try to overtake.
\par 
\par The wide discrepancy between their evidence is such that I cannot place reliance on D.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s 1. & 2.
\par 
\par D.W.3, a member of the defendant firm, was driving the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 
s lorry from Ba towards Lautoka. He says that his own speed was 30-35 m.p.h. and when the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7800245 s lorry}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12155315  was very close it swerved towards him. D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5847402 .W.3 says he swerved }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12155315 to his left to try }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12015068 and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12155315  avoid an accident and his nearside wheels mounted the grass verged on the nearside of the road. He failed to avoid the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12155315 s motor lorry which hit him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3487507 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5386533 The evidence of D.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5386533 
s 2 & 3 is that the near side of the road facing Lautoka was blocked by the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5386533 s lorry and the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15668101 landrover}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5386533  had to pass the scene by moving over to its offside of the road. D.W.1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5386533 s evidence is similar.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9056335 In }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8285017 their counterclaim the defence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9056335  alleged that their lorry was off the road for 14}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1775103  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9056335 days undergoing repairs. That would be from }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1775103 12th or}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9056335  13th to 26th or 27th of January, 1977.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7224609  However, P.W.7 Ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1775103 rry Rounds, who is employed by S}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7224609 hell Co. at Vuda gave evidence showing that the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7224609 
s lorry was back in use on 19.1.77, and Mr. Shankar (defendant) reduced the counterclaim for loss}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8144602  of use to a period of 6 days. D.W.3, in cross-examination stated that the exaggerated claim was due to 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10910843 a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8144602 mistake made by a clerk. It was a mistake which more than doubled the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8144602 s counterclaim for loss of use.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6843603  If the lorry was in regular use after th
e repairs, and the evidence indicates that it would be, it seems to me that the error would have to be repeated daily for about eight days.
\par 
\par Repairs to the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6843603 
s lorry was done by D.W.4 who allegedly presented an invoice to the defendants for the repairs. D.W.4 is a son of the defendant Wali Mohammed and works for him as a driver but says he is not a member of the firm. He was not an impressive witness nor was I
 persuaded by the account he allegedly presented to his father for the repairs, especially in relation to the labour costs and the towing charges.
\par 
\par The defendants did not, in my view, present an honest counterclaim in regard to the quantum of damage and in my opinion D.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 
s 3 & 4 dishonestly ex}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6843603 aggerated it. It does nothing to help me to rely upon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065  D.W.3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s account as to how the accident occurred.
\par 
\par P.W.2, ANASA RABULA, was driving the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s motor lorry from Lautoka towards Ba. He says that the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s
 lorry was overtaking a landrover as it approached him, that it was on its offside of the road and that he (P.W.2) slowed down to almost 5 m.p.h. just before the impact. In cross-examination he said that the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s truck had overtaken the landrover just before the accident.
\par 
\par P.W.3 who was driven for 20 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265 years confirmed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065  P.W.2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s evidence. He was a passenger in the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 
s lorry. P.W.3 says that after the accident the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s truck was on it}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8674599 s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065  left hand side portion of the road and the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s t
ruck which had gone beyond the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 s truck }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265 was }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 on its right hand side}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8674599  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 facing Lautoka}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 - the direction  in which it had been going}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1605434 
. P.W.3 got a lift into Lautoka to notify the police and he collected a camera with which he took photographs of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1605434\charrsid8353133 the scene, but this must have been an hour or two after}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1605434\charrsid8353133 the accident. I did not place any reliance on the photographs which were }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133\charrsid8353133 produced}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1605434\charrsid8353133  in the course of the hearing. There was no positive proof that the motor vehicles had not been moved.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15689065 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 
\par Apart from P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 s 2 & 3 there are two independent eye-witnesses in the form of P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 s 5 & 7. P.W.5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 s evidence regarding the accident concerned with the statement,
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8353133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 I saw the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 s lorry, I knew it I have seen it regularly. It is blue. One vehicle was trying to overtake the other. It could}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265  not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8674599  get back of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133  its own side. I did not see the collision. I heard the impact.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12072422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8353133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133\charrsid4396395 There were no details in that statement indicating in which dir
ection the vehicles were going and which motor vehicle was trying to overtake. It seem to be the statement of a you}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 th recounting what had appe}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4396395 ared most vividly to his eye at a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395  moment or two before the impact. It was dissembled during examination-in-chief and he explained }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4396395 that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 it was the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422\charrsid4396395 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 s lorry which was overtaking a van. He stated in cross-exam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265\charrsid4396395 ination that the van was a land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 rover. P.W.7 brother of P.W.5 gave similar evidence of the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422\charrsid4396395 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 s truck overtaking and being on its wrong side at the time of the accident. These witnesses appeared to become confused when ask such question as, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422\charrsid4396395 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 on which side of the road was the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422\charrsid4396395 '
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3356818\charrsid4396395 s lorry when one is facing }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13964889\charrsid4396395 in the direction of Ba}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4396395 ",}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13964889\charrsid4396395  relating to the final positions of the motor vehicles. There were minor discrepancies in their evidence as to whether or not they knew P.W.3.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4396395  But I am satisfied they were not trying to conceal anything.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8353133 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13964889 
\par As to the relative positions and behaviour of the motor vehicles prior to the accident I accept the evidence of P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13964889 s 5 & 7. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265 They}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13964889  were not passengers in other vehicle and therefore had none of that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4396395 
 bias which can affect the judg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13964889 ment and recollection of a person who was driving or who was a passeng}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid552983 
er in one of the motor vehicles. Preferring, as I do, the evidence of P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid552983 s 5 & 7 as to the behaviour of the lorries }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10100942 
immediately prior to the accident I find that the defendant was overtaking the landrover when travelling in the direction of Lautoka and before he had time to fully regain his correct side of the road he collided with the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10100942 s approaching motor lorry which was on its correct side. I find that the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10100942 s motor lorry was reducing his speed at the time of the impact and that the driver was in no way to blame for the accident.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472869 Having found that the defendant was negligent it remains to quantify the damage suffered by the plaintiff. The plaintiff has put in full accounts for spares and labour c}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265 harges from Millers Motor Ltd. a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472869 nd called witnesses from the office and workshop of that firm to substantiate the accounts. His}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265  lorry was out of action from 12th January to 18th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472869  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11086312 February}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472869  and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11086312 
 for that period claims $1400 for the hire of another. The reason why it was off the road for such a long period was that Millers Ltd. had to wait f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659598 or spares to be delivered. It i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11086312 s very noteworthy that the plaintiff who is in the same kind of business as the defendant claimed $60}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659598 .00}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11086312  per day to replace his damaged lorry whereas the defendant claimed $120.00 per day for alleged loss of use. On that basis it would seem that the plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11086312 s claim for hiring a replacement lorry could not be regarded as in any way extravagant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6702491 

\par 
\par I am satisfied that the amount claimed by the plaintiff is quite reasonable, unexaggerated and an honest account of his actual damage.
\par 
\par There will be judgement in full for the plaintiff on his claim for $3,643.17 and the defendant will pay the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6702491 s costs.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872 The counter claim is dismissed and the defendant will pay the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872 s cost thereof.

\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1913872 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872\charrsid1913872 (}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5122265 S}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872\charrsid1913872 gd.) J.T}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15995551 .}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872\charrsid1913872  Williams
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8353133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872 
\par LAUTOKA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13124664 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13124664 21ST}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872  JULY, 1978}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212597 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872 
\par 
\par Messrs G.P. Lala & Co., for the plaintiff
\par Messrs G.P. Shankar & Co., for the defendant.
\par 
\par Date of Hearing: 19.6.78
\par 22.6.78}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12072422 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12208978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1913872 10.7.78}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208978\charrsid12208978 
\par }}