{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; 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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 1;}{\s16\ql \fi432\li0\ri0\sl-228\slmult0 \widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 2;}{\s17\ql \fi-1152\li1296\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1296\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style 3;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1336881\rsid1379291\rsid2568883\rsid2583157\rsid2900783\rsid2914878\rsid3024769\rsid3083209\rsid3097578\rsid3227697\rsid3898762\rsid5787635\rsid6630775 \rsid7234114\rsid7553740\rsid7734522\rsid7824132\rsid8877575\rsid9832533\rsid10052555\rsid10503894\rsid11741690\rsid11952122\rsid12734106\rsid13204582\rsid13763669\rsid15403702\rsid16610350}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info {\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\author Teniau_d}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy22\hr10\min21}{\revtim\yr2009\mo3\dy2\hr14\min24}{\version21}{\edmins86}{\nofpages2}{\nofwords594}{\nofchars3389}{\*\company USP, Emalus Campus} {\nofcharsws3976}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw11678\paperh16598\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot3097578 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7734522\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2 \pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3024769 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6630775\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1379291\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3024769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 LABASA CIVIL APPEAL NO. 3 OF 1978 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 BETWEEN \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 CHANGAIYA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3083209 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 s/o Adi Narayan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2568883\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 JAI KARAN}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3083209 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 s/o Bhawani Bhik}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2568883\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3227697 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3227697\charrsid3024769 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1379291 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1379291\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15403702\charrsid3024769 The appellant was the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8877575\charrsid3024769 in an action brought against him by the respondent who claimed $3,000 damages for loss and injuries sustained by him due to the negligent driving of a motor vehicle by the appellant. The Magistrates Court Labasa fo und both parties equally negligent and awarded the respondent $1,450 damages and costs. \par \par There are four grounds of appeal: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8877575 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8877575\charrsid3024769 1. }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8877575\charrsid3024769 THAT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8877575\charrsid3024769 the Learned Magistrates erred in law and in fact in holding the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 Appellant guilty of negligence in view of the evidence adduced.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8877575\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7553740 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8877575 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 2. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 THAT}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 the Learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact in holding the general damages proved when no evidence to that effect was adduced. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7553740 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8877575 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 3. THAT the Learned Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 '} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 apportioning of contributory negligence is unreasonable in view of the evidence adduced. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7553740 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8877575 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 4. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 THAT}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 the verdict of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10503894\charrsid3024769 Learned}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 Magistrate is unreasonable and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence adduced.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7553740 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12734106\charrsid3024769 On the 17th August, 1976 the appellant pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court, Labasa to a charge of Dangerous Driving which driving led to the serious injuries sustained by the respondent. The appellant admitted the charge and his plea of guilty and conviction in the Defence filed by him.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7553740\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2914878\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11741690\charrsid3024769 Despite this admission the Defence denied negligence and alleged that it was the respondent who had been negligent or alternatively was guilty of contributing negligence.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2914878\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11741690\charrsid3024769 \par It would be difficult to find a clearer case of negligence by a driver of a motor vehicle. There is not only the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11741690\charrsid3024769 s own admission and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7234114 conviction, but the facts found by the learned trial Magistrate }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11741690\charrsid3024769 established his negligence beyond any doubt. \par \par The appellant approached a pedestrian crossing at about 25 m.p.h. He knew where the pede strian crossing was although the markings were not as clear as they could have been. He saw the respondent by the crossing about to cross and from 2 chains away from the crossing he sounded his horn. He did not slow or stop his vehicle and proceed}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13763669\charrsid3024769 ed on his way and ran into the respondent on the crossing causing him serious injuries.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11741690\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7824132\charrsid3024769 \par There is no merit at all in the first ground of appeal and it accordingly fails. \par \par The second ground of appeal discloses that the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7824132\charrsid3024769 s solicitor does not appreciate the n ature of general damages and how the basis is laid to establish a claim to general damages. To bring the action within the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court the plaintiff in the Court below limited his claim to general damages to $2,850. \par \par Counsel who appeared on instructions from the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7824132\charrsid3024769 s solicitor suggested that the second ground was intended to be on appeal}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3898762\charrsid3024769 against the quantum of damages awarded. I am not prepared to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13204582 so }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3898762\charrsid3024769 interpret the clear wording of the second ground of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7824132\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3898762\charrsid3024769 \par All the plaintiff had to do was establish negligence by the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2900783\charrsid3024769 and prove his loss and in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10503894\charrsid3024769 juries and this he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2900783\charrsid3024769 did. Damages were then assessed and awarded by the Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3898762\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2900783\charrsid3024769 \par There is no merit in the second ground of appeal which also fai}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13204582 ls.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2900783\charrsid3024769 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10052555\charrsid3024769 I would be inclined to agree with the third ground of appeal but the alleged unreasonable}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13204582 ness}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10052555\charrsid3024769 of the apportionment in my view was the finding that the respondent was equally to blame for the accident. There has not, however, been an appeal by the respondent and I am not called on to determine what was a reasonable }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2583157\charrsid3024769 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10052555\charrsid3024769 pportionment.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2900783\charrsid3024769 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10052555\charrsid3024769 \par On the facts the respondent was either not negligent at all or if was, the degree of his negligence was slight and certainly not 50%. \par \par The apportionment was in my view unduly favourable to the appellant. There is no merit in the third ground of appeal which also fails. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid3024769 \par As to the fourth ground of appeal there was an abundance of evidence to support the Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024769 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid3024769 s finding and this ground also fails. \par \par The appeal is dismissed with costs to the respondent. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11952122 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid9832533 (SGD) R.G.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2583157\charrsid9832533 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid9832533 Kermode \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid3024769 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7553740 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid3024769 \par Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2583157\charrsid3024769 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid3024769 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1379291 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336881\charrsid3024769 6th June, 1978.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1379291\charrsid3024769 \par }}