{\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};}
{\f66\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f67\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f69\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f70\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f71\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f72\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f73\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f74\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa360\sl360\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 1;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\sl372\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 5;}{
\s17\ql \fi1152\li0\ri288\sl372\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin288\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style 2;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\sa432\sl372\slmult0\widctlpar
\tx2736\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Style 3;}{\s19\ql \fi1152\li0\ri0\sl372\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext19 Style 4;}{\s20\ql \fi1296\li0\ri0\sa360\sl372\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext20 
Style 6;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid139706\rsid1465567\rsid1974012\rsid2498790\rsid4549973\rsid4727347\rsid7215808\rsid8792562\rsid9641194\rsid9778692\rsid11553528\rsid12415769\rsid13965277\rsid14575199\rsid14878579
\rsid15347012\rsid16268751\rsid16347600\rsid16350206}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author maltungtung_l}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2009\mo4\dy27\hr15\min21}{\revtim\yr2009\mo6\dy16\hr12}{\version9}{\edmins149}{\nofpages4}
{\nofwords1917}{\nofchars10930}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws12822}{\vern24689}}\paperw11692\paperh16617\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot9778692 \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid8792562\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\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 IN THE}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  SUPREME }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 COURT OF }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562 CIVIL JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792562 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Action No. 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  of 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 76
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562 ETWEEN}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 FIJI INSURANCE COMPANY}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562  LIMITED}
{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562 Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 LAMI BUILDERS LIMITED
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9778692 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7215808 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 JUD}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 GMENT}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9778692 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 On or about the 15th August, 1974 vehicle Number AE701 owned by the defendant company and driven by one of its employees was invol}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 ved in an accident in which two pedestrians were injured.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 At all material times the defen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 dant was the holder of a motor vehicle Third}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Party Policy }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 issued}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  by the plaintiff in respect of the said vehicle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The two injured pedestrians in Action No. 78 of 1975 commenced action against the Company and the driver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
 of the vehicle seeking damage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The plaintiff settled this action for the sum of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 $8150 and incurred costs amount}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ing to $201 and now seeks to recover the sum of $8351 from the defen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 dant pursuant to the provisi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ons of section 16 of the Motor Vehicle (Th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 ird Party Insurance) Ordinance.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The foregoing facts are not in dispute }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 and I }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
hold teem to be established.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The plaintiff alleges that the first notification, it had of the accident was on the 7th April, 1975 when it received the writ of summons in Action}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14878579  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
78 of 1975 and that it was not until the 30th April, 1975 that the defendant notified the plaintiff of the accident. These facts are not denied by the defend
ant. The defendant, however, alleges that it notified the plaintiff soon after it first became aware of the alleged injuries arising out of the accident.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 It is clear that the notification alleged by the defendant was on the 30th April, 1975 some 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347012 \'bd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  months after the accident.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7215808\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 One of the two pedestrians received serious injuries which }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 hospitalized}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  him for close on 3 months.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Mr. Frank Chang, a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 Director of the de}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
fendant company, stated he was not aware at the time that anyone had been injured in the accident. It was not until the defendant received the writ of summons that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 
 he became aware that the pedes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 trians had been injured. Under cross-examination he admitted that the driver of the company}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s vehicle involved in the accident had informed him of the accident on the day it happened and reported he ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 
d struck two people but the wit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ness said the driver did not report that they had received injuries. He said he made no enquiries to ascertain whether the pedestrians}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347012  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 had been injured other than to enquire of the dr
iver whether he had killed anybody and received a negative answer. He admitted he did not at the time he learnt of the accident report the accident }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347012 to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562  the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  plaintiff.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 This witness did not impress me at all. Either he was aware that the pedestrians had been
 injured or he was not concerned to enquire whether they had been injured. In any event I do not believe that this witness was not aware at the time the company}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s driver reported to him that the pedestrians must have received some injuries. I do accept tha
t he may not have bothered to enquire as to the nature of the injuries other than to satisfy himself no one}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347012  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
had been killed. I hold as a fact that this witness had knowledge on the day of the accident that two persons had been struck by the company}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s vehicle from which knowledge any reasonable person would have appreciated that such persons must have sustain}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347012 
ed some personal injury. They d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 id in fact sust}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 ain personal injury. I am satis}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 fied the company had knowledge of the accident through its director. In any event the nature of the injuries sustained by the pedestrians were such that the company}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
s driver, who was not called. as a. witness, must have been aware that they were injured in the accident. It is a reasonable assumption that he was so aware and I hold as a fact that he was so aware.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Under section 16 of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Ordinance it is the duty of the owner of a veh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 
icle forthwith after}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  an accident involving that vehicle, resulting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 in death or personal injury to a person, to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562  report such}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 accident to the i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 nsurance company}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15347012 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562 Where the owner is not using }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 vehicle at the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 time it is the duty of the }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 person }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 using the vehicle to forthwith notify}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16347600\charrsid8792562  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 the insurance company of the accident. The owner in such an event is also duty bound to report the accident forthwith on first becoming aware of the accident.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 It was the driver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
s statutory duty to report the accident to the plaintiff. It is clear that he did not do so at any time.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 ompany through its director Mr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 Chang was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 aware of the accident on the day it happened and did not notify the plaintiff until }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562 some}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9641194\charrsid8792562  \'bd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  months later.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4727347\charrsid8792562 
\par I hold that bo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 th the company and its driver were in breach of the statutory duty to forthwith notify the plaintiff of the accident.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4727347\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Under }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4727347\charrsid8792562 subsections}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  4 of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4727347\charrsid8792562 section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  16 of the Ordinance where the owner or driver of a vehicle involved in an accident re}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4727347\charrsid8792562 sulting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562  in personal injury to a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
 person fails to promptly notify the insurance comp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 any of the accident the company can recover as a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
 debt from the owner the amount equal to the total amount including cost}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 s paid by it in respect of any c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 lai}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  relating to such accident.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The defendant, however has raised a number of alterna}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 tive }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 defences. It alleges the plaintiff took over the conduct of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 proceedi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 ngs in Action No. 78 of 1975 and settled the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 claim for damage}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 without the a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 pproval or consent of the defe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 
ndant. It complains that thereby}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the def}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 endant was deprived of an opportunity}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  to defe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 nd the action or of mitigating the claim for damages.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 As an alternative defence the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562  al}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
leges that in admitting liability and settling the claim throw the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s solicitors without the know}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 ledge and approval of the defen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 dant the plaintiff acted improperly and to the prejudice of the defendant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 As a further and alternative defence the defendant alleges the plaintiff in admitting liability and taking over }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
control}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  of the claim}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
for damages waived the requirement to give notice under se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 ction 16 of the Ordinance and is es}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 topped from mak}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 ing any claim against the defen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 dant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid139706\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Under section 17 of the Ordinance the plaintiff was empowered to take over th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 e conduct and control of Action}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  No. 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  of 1975 on behalf}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 of the owner. Pursuant to such po}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
wer the plain}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 tiff instructed M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 esssrs. Crom}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
ptons to enter an appearance to the writ.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Section 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  also empowers the plaintiff to settle the claim.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
\par Nothing in section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  17 requires the plaintiff t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 o first seek the prior approval}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 nsent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  of the defendant to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567  ta}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 king over the conduct and control of Action No. 78}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  of 1975}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 r to arranging to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 settle}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the claim.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
\par In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  so acting the plaintiff exercised}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
its statutory }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 rights. It was open to the defen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 da}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 nt to inform t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 he plaintiff of any defence they had to }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 the claim but they did not do so}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 . The defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s driver was convicted of the offence of careless driving in respect of the accident and there wou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
ld appear to have been no doubts }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 as to his negligence. I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 f there was any contributory negligence on the p}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 art of the ped}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 estrians, it was the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  duty to inform the plain}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 tiff of the facts which would est}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 ablish such contributory negligence. The defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  did no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 thing after receiving the writ o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
ther than to comply with the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s request to submit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  a
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  claim form. The plaintiff did not settle the cla}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 m until 7 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 months after appearance had been}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
 entered to the writ.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Before Action 78 of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 1975 was settled Messrs. Crompto}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ns wrote to the defendant by letter dated 12th November, 1975 gi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 
ving the defendant full particulars of the proposed settlement and stating that unless }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Messrs. Cromptons heard from the defendant }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562 within}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  7 days they}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16268751\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 would assume th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 e defendant approved the settle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
ment. No reply to t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 is lett}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 er was received}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  by Messrs. Cr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
mptons who then proceeded with their instructions from the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  and settled the claim.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The defendant alleges it never received the letter. It was incorrectly addressed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the defendant at P.O. Box 3156}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562  Lami }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
instead of P.O. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 Box 3590 Sama}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 bula which was the correct address. P.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 . Box 3156 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 Lami}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  is the postal address of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 L}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 ami Joinery Limited.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 Mr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  Chang admitted he was a director}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 of the defendant company as well as Lami Joinery Limited. H}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 e}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  admitted that if a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 le}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 tter came a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 ddressed to the defendant at P.O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 . Box 3156 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 L}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ami he or his clerk would collect it and he would open it. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  am satisfied }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 e}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 ss}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 rs. Cromptons wrote and posted the letter and t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 hat it was not returned to them}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  through the dead letter office.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 
\par I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  am satisfied that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 Mr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
 Chang did receive the letter and as a director of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  company that the defendant received it.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 
\par The def}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 en}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s real complaint which }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2498790\charrsid8792562 is }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
reflected in all the alternative defences is that the plaintiff did not make it clear to them that the plaintiff would seek reimbursement from them before settling the claims. They allege they were led to believe that they were covered by their }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 policy}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 As to this contention the defendant was well aware that it ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 d not reported the accident to the plaintiff and mu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 st be deemed to know the law }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 whi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
ch gives the plaintiff the right to recover from the defendant the amount the plaintiff paid to settle the claims.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The plaintiff forwarded a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 carbon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  copy}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
of its letter on 7th April 1975 to the defendant it which the plaintiff refers to the fact that it had not previously been notif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 ied of the accident and referring}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  to the fact that it was not admitting liability to the defendant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The plaintiff followed up this lett}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 er with a letter of 24th April, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 1975 correctly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 addressed to the defendant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562  referring to the letter they had written }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
Messrs. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Cromptons and att}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 aching a claim form.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par In M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 essrs. Cromptons letter of 12th }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 November}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
, 197}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 5 to the defendant they specifically}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
 referred to the fact that the defendant had not immediately notified the plaintiff of t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 e accident and did not n}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13965277 otify them until the 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 0th April}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  1975.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 I have considered the authorities fu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
nished by Mr. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 Chauhan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  but none of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
them assist the defendant. One c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13965277 as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 e does in fact assist the plaintiff.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 Beacon}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  Insurance Co. Ltd. v. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
Langdale}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562  (1939) 4 A.E.R. p.204 is a case which bears some similar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ity to the instant case.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13965277 In that c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ase the appellant was insured with the responde}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
nt against third party risks in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  respect of a motor cycle. The appellant while riding the motor cycle collided with a bicycle and }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 the bicycle rider claimed damages. The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  respondent pursuance to authority given t
o them under the policy settled the claim without consulting the appellant. The respondent then}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562  sued the appellant for the sum of $5. U}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 nder t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13965277 he policy the appellant had to p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
ay the first $5 of any claim. The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562  appellant contended the respon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 dent was not en}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 titled to settle any claim with}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 out not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13965277 
ice to him and that they had not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  acted reasonably in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 exercise}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  of their authority.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12415769\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 It was held that the po}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 licy gave the respondent power to settle }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562 the claim without con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 sul}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 ting the appe}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 llant and, where such a settlement}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  included a payment of money, the appellant }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 was liable to pay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the respo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 
ndents the first $5 of that sum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid13965277 Beacon}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567\charrsid13965277 '}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid13965277 s case}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562  was concerned wi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
th an authority pursuant to the terms of the insurance policy. In the instant case the plaintiff acted }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 under}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
 statutory powers in settling the claims.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 It was not incumbent on the plaintiff to consult the defendant before they settled the claims. I do not consider that the fact that}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 the plaintiff had a statutory right, due to the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1465567 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s fail}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 ure to report the accident promptly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
, to seek to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 recover}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the money they had paid out and chose to exercise that right, in any}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
way alters the position. They did advise the defendant of the proposed settlement although not legally bound to do so. Both the plaintiff and their solicitors in my view acted with }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 
prop}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 riety and there is nothing to suggest that the settlement of th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 
e claims was not in the best interests of the plaintiff }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13965277 and the defendant. In }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 my view no question of waiver or estoppel ar}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 ises in this action. It is true that neither the plaintiff nor its solicitor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
express and clear terms advised the defendant that the plaintiff proposed to seek the recovery from the defendant of any money paid in settlement of the claims due to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 the de}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 fendant statutory breach of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 duty.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14575199\charrsid8792562 
\par The plaintiff and its solicitor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 di}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
d however point ou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 t in clear terms that the defen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 dant had not promptly reported the accident to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 the p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 
laintiff. There is nothing in the correspondence to indicate the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  waived its right t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  recover from the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 defendant as a debt }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
the settleme}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 t moneys paid }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 it}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 
\par Even if the plaintiff had in express }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 terms advised the defendant t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 h}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 at it proposed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 recover }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 from}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the defendant any moneys the plaintiff had to pa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  in settlement of the claims, the d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 efendant}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  could not h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 ave taken over conduct of the case.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  If }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  defendant was aware of facts which }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 might }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 have }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 reduced}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  the claims it should have made thes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 e facts known t o the plaintiff. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 The defendant was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562  advised of the proposed settlement an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1974012 d}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  ch}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 se to do nothing about it.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 
\par The plaintiff succeeds on its claim. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 There will be judgment for the plaintiff in the sun of $8351 with costs t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 be taxed if not agreed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16350206 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 (Sgd.) R. G. Kermode
\par JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9778692 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16350206\charrsid8792562 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9778692\charrsid8792562 9th May, 1979.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792562\charrsid8792562 
\par }}