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{\title I am unable to offer specific instances of exceptional service in relation to this nominee}{\author Keith Mason}{\operator Talevakarua Laniana}{\creatim\yr2008\mo10\dy21\hr16\min47}{\revtim\yr2008\mo10\dy22\hr9\min8}
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he Hon Justice Keith Mason, Judge of the Supreme Court}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid16013374\charrsid7734952 The Hon Justice Kenneth Handley, Judge of the Supreme Court}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid16013374\charrsid7734952 The Hon Justice Mark Weinberg, Judge of the Supreme Court}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 
\par 
\par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid16013374\charrsid7734952 Monday, 13th October}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952  2008, Suva
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid918772\charrsid7734952 Mr S. Maharaj }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 for the }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid918772\charrsid7734952 Petitioners}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid918772\charrsid7734952 Mr A. K. Narayan }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 for the Respondent
\par 
\par Date of}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952\charrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 Friday, 1}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid16013374\charrsid7734952 7th October}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952  2008, Suva}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid16013374\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4208345\charrsid7734952 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14961577\charrsid7734952 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 [1]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
On 2 March 1999 the third petitioner was driving a motor vehicle that struck a truck owned by the first respondent and driven by the second respondent. }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid16013374\charrsid7734952 [2]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
The accident injured the third petitioner and his two passengers, being the first petitioner, his wife, and the second petitioner, his daughter. }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 
All three claimed damages in a single proceeding in the High Court. }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 The damages were assessed by Finnegan J in 
the High Court at $4,115 plus interest for the third petitioner; $40,000 plus interest for the first petitioner; and $60,000 plus interest for the second petitioner. Responsibility for the accident was found to lie equally with the two drivers. This led t
he trial judge to reduce the damages payable to each plaintiff by 50 per cent. Costs were summarily assessed against the respondents at $3,000.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 [3]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 Two appeals were lodged in the Court of Appeal and they were consolidated.}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 [4]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 The respondents challenged the findings }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 
against them }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 on liability and quantum}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7634503\charrsid7734952 : }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
this appeal was dismissed on grounds that are no longer relevant.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 [5]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
All three petitioners appealed but on the sole ground that the primary judge erred in reducing the awards in favour of the wife and 
daughter on the basis of the contributory negligence of the driver of their vehicle, the third petitioner. This appeal was upheld, but }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 in circumstances}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  that made their victory pyrr}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7634503\charrsid7734952 h}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
ic because of a contribution order made against the third petitioner, who w
as the main family breadwinner. He was ordered to contribute equally towards the burden of paying the now unreduced verdicts in favour of his wife and daughter entered against the respondents jointly.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 His}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 obligation to do so would not have been covered b
y third party insurance because the first and second petitioners were his relatives (see }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act}{
\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 ,}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952  Cap 199, s 6).}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 [}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 6}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 The claim for contribution }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7634503\charrsid7734952 was first}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
 propounded in the Court of Appeal in written submissions filed}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 a few days }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
in advance of the hearing. }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 The respondents }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 also }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8913217\charrsid7734952 filed }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 a summons to amend the Defence}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952  to }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 raise}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952  a}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
 counter-claim against the third plaintiff (the third petitioner in this Court) that he pay and/or contribute to any damages found payable by the defendants and/or the third plaintiff to the first and/or second plaintiff.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 [}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 7}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4466066\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 The Court of Appeal (Pathik JA, Datt JA, Powell JA) acknowledged the general principle that parties are bound by the way they conduct proceedings at trial (}{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 Coulton v Holcombe}{\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
(1986) 162 CLR 1). It was also }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 stated}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
 that appeal courts have a discretion to allow new points of law to be raised, particularly where the new matter sought asserts a material error of law in the disposition of the proceedings below (for example where the 
alleged error of law relates to a point that is unanswerable}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 :}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 Hampton Court Ltd v Crooks}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  (1957) 97 CLR 367). The Court a}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 cknowledged}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  that different principles apply when}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 a court is asked to exercise its discretion to bring proceedings or appeals outside of time limits.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 [}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 8}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 As to the particular application before it, the Court of Appeal correctly pointed out that}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 any person liable in respect of any damage suffered by another may recover contribution from any other person liable in respect of the same damage
, whether jointly with him or otherwise. The Court cited }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 Halsbury's Laws of England}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
 4th ed, vol 45, para 1235. The proposition correctly states the law in Fiji, because of the terms of s}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 6}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  of }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 Law Reform (Contributory Negligence and Tortfeasors) Act}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid15161838\charrsid7734952 , Cap 30.
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 [}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 9}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 The nub of the Court of Appeal's reasoning was as follows:
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [49] Accordingly if the res}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 p}{
\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 ondents had asked the trial judge to make the order for contribution now sought, the trial judge, having found Ram Chandar and Sant Ram equally liable fo
r the accident, would have been obliged to make an order for 50% contribution. It may be that that is what the trial judge thought he was doing in a short-hand way when he, erroneously as this Court has found, reduced the general damages by 50%. However t
his is speculation.}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [50]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
If the respondents are permitted to file the Amended Defence and Cross-Claim they will, therefore be successful in obtaining an order for 50% contribution against Sant Ram. The question is whether or not the respondents should be a
llowed to amend at this late stage.
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [51]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
The respondents say that there is no prejudice to the appellants caused by the delay in making the application because if the matter had been pleaded at trial nothing could have been said against such an order, suc
h an order following automatically once the trial judge apportioned liability between the two drivers.
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [52]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
It follows that the amendment has overwhelming merit. Allowing the amen}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 d}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
ment does not require any fresh evidence or further hearing.
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [53]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 The resp
ondents say that the oversight in raising the matter at trial, whether by pleading or submission, must be seen in the context that the respondents denied liability completely. Be that as it may, delay in not raising the issue earlier in the appeal process
, until }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 18 March 2008, is not explained
\par 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [54]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
The appellants oppose the amendment, which they say is made at the 11th hour. they sa}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 y}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
 that they would be prejudiced because the appellants, Kala Wati [the wife] and Smita Ram [the daughter], would, by virtue of their family relationship with Sant }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 R}{
\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 am, would effectively have their damages halved.
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [55]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
The prejudice referred to by the appellants is not prejudice in the relevant sense which has to be pr}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 e}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
judice due to the delay in bringing the amendment, not just prejudice from the making of the orders sought in the amendment.
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [57]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
The Court has a discretion as to whether or not to allow such an amendment and it can allow an amendment at any time. T}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6584942\charrsid7734952 h}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
e question is whether the Court should.
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 .....
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [59]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [T]he Court's
 task in exercising its discretion whether or not to allow an amendment raising a new point of law is to give effect to the demands of justice by balancing, on the one hand, the entitlement of a party to have the case determined according to law and, on t
he other, the public and private interest in the proper conduct of the first instance proceedings: }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 Burston v Melbourne & Metrop}{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1269788\charrsid7734952 o}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 litan Tramways}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952  (1948) 78 CLR 143.
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 [60]}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
In these proceedings that balancing act requires the Court to allow the respondents' proposed amendment. }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 T}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
he point that is being raised is unanswerable, the litig}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1269788\charrsid7734952 a}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid12916954\charrsid7734952 
tion will not be extended and there is no prejudice in the relevant sense to the appellants. }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid9252445\charrsid7734952 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 [1}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 0}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 The Court of Appeal relevantly gave effect to its reasons by ordering judgment for
 the first and second petitioners against the respondents at the full rate determined by the trial judge plus interest. There was also an order for judgment for Ram Chandar against Sant Ram in the sum of $50,000 [being half the increased capital sum award
ed to the first and second petitioners] plus interest. The respondents were ordered to pay the petitioners\rquote  costs of the appeal because they succeeded on a ground not raised at first instance.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 [11}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 
The reasons set out above indicate that the Court of Appea
l treated the respondents as having raised a point of law that could have been raised at first instance. In one sense this was the case. But, in truth, the respondents obtained judgment on a cause of action that only fully accrued when the original judgme
nts in favour of the wife and daughter were doubled. The successful claim could have been propounded in separate proceedings brought after the Court of Appeal gave judgment, subject only to the unlikely possibility of the respondents being }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 e}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 stopped by reference to the principles discussed in cases such as }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 Port of Melbourne Authority v }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 Anshun}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 
 Pty Ltd}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 (1981) 147 CLR 589}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 .
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 [12}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 Contrary to the petitioners\rquote 
 submissions, there }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 was no difficulty stemming from the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 Limitation Act}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952  because (for limitation purposes) the respondents\rquote 
 right to recover contribution is treated by that Act as having accrued when the respondents were held liable by Finnegan J and because the contribution claim only became barred if recovery action was not brought within two years of that date (see }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 Limitation Act, }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 
Cap 35, s6). Finnegan J made his orders on 7 July 2006 and the Court of Appeal made its orders on 18 April 2008.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14747398\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 [13}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 
The petitioners raise what they characterise as a jurisdictional objection to the effect that the respondents did not raise the counterclaim in a cross appeal filed in accordance with the Rules. But the Court of Appeal\rquote 
s jurisdiction was duly invoked upon the filing of the two appeals that were consolidated. The Court\rquote s power to dispose of the proceedings according to law was not dependent upon the precise form of the latest notice of appeal}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952  (see }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 Court of Appeal Act}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 , s17}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6302016\charrsid7734952 ; }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6302016\charrsid7734952 Court of Appeal Rules}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6302016\charrsid7734952 , r22 (3) and (4)}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952 )}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5710846\charrsid7734952 .}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1979306\charrsid7734952  The Court of Appeal\rquote 
s power to allow the amendment of process filed in the court of trial is not in dispute.
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 [14]\tab There is no merit in the petitioners\rquote 
 submission that the Court of Appeal somehow exhausted its jurisdiction to permit the amendment and to make the ultimate contribution order by reason of having stated earli}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 
er in its reasons that the respo}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 ndents\rquote  appeal was dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8595448\charrsid7734952 
After all, the two appeals were consolidated and the orders pronounced at the end of the Court\rquote s reasons proceed from the totality of those reasons.
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 [15]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5710846\charrsid7734952 
The petitioners were always entitled to procedural fairness, including an adequate opportunity to meet claims and argument
s not previously ventilated. But they sought no adjournment and do not complain about the adequacy of the opportunity they had to meet the now critical point. After all, it was foreshadowed in written submissions and formulated in the summons seeking leav
e to amend the defence that was filed in the Court of Appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid619903\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5710846\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1121988\charrsid7734952 [16]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5710846\charrsid7734952 
The petitioners complain about the exercise of discretion by the Court of Appeal. In effect, they reagitate the matters ventilated below. It is sufficient to state that we see no error in t
he manner in which the Court of Appeal addressed and resolved the late application to amend. The Court did not overlook the respondents\rquote 
 absence of excuse for not having propounded the issue at first instance alongside the raising of the defence of contributory negligence that prevailed against the third petitioner. We agree with the Court of Appeal\rquote 
s conclusion that the claim of prejudice raised by the first and second petitioners is not in itself the sort that would deflect an otherw}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6244831\charrsid7734952 ise proper application
 to amend: here there was no prejudice of a procedural nature. }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5710846\charrsid7734952 As we have already pointed out, the Court of Appeal\rquote 
s analysis was, if anything, generous in favour of the petitioners given that timely fresh proceedings could still have been launched for contribution that would inevitably have succeeded.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4668152\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6244831\charrsid7734952 [17]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 Two matters of some generality were raised during the hearing.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 Neither has any bearing in the }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 outcome}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
, but each calls to be recorded in the}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 s}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 e reasons.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6244831\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
\par [18]\tab First, as to the terms of the judgment ordered by the Court of Appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 As indicated, the Court gave }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 effect to the entitlement to contribution by ordering }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
judgment for Ram Chandar against Sant Ram in the sum of $50,000 plus interest.
\par 
\par [19]\tab The respondents\rquote  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 entitlement}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952  to raise a counterclaim against
 the third petitioner for contribution as a concurrent tortfeasor stems from substantive right given by the }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 Law Reform (Contributory Negligence and Tortfeasors) Act}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952  and the procedural right given by Order 15 r}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 2(1) of the }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 High Court Rules}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 .}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 Nevertheless, the right of contribution remains inchoate u}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 nless and until the respondent a}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 ctually meets more than his half share of }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 his}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
 now established liability to pay damages to the first and second petitioners in the sums determined by the Court of Appeal (see }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 Barclays Bank v Tom}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952  [1923] 1 KB 221; }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 Andrews v Nominal Defendant}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
 [1963] SR (NSW) 110).}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 In strictness, there should have been }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
a declaration of entitlement, with liberty to apply for judgment when and if the second respondent pays more than half of the verdict}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952  sum: cf }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 Andrew}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 s}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 at 120 (albeit)}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952  that that}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
 case turned upon a special rule of court.
\par 
\par [20]\tab Counsel for the respondents agreed that the practical situation was as we h}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 ave}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952  indicated.}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 Because of this and because }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 the High Court }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 has }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 power to stay ex}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 ecu}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 tion 
in part on the judgment against the third petitioner unless and until the second respondent actually pays more than half of the sums due to the first and second petitioners, we have determined that amending the form of the contribution order is unnecessar
y.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid11351046\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 
\par [21]\tab The second matter concerns the position of the petitioner Smita Ram.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 She is an infant and sued by her father as next friend.}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 Order 80 r}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 10 
}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 of the }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 High Court Rules}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 requires }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid32477\charrsid7734952 any }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 
money recovered on her behalf to be dealt with in accordance with the directions given by the Court and n}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13793948\charrsid7734952 ot}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952  otherwise.}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 We were informed that it is the High Court\rquote 
s practice to order that a verdict payable to an injured, infant plaintiff be paid to the Public Trustee.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5117003\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 [}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2628654\charrsid7734952 22}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid4668152\charrsid7734952 The petition should be dismissed with costs.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 The Hon Justice Keith Mason
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559810\charrsid7734952 The Hon Justice Kenneth Handley}{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid7734952 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 The Hon Justice Mark Weinberg
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7734952 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13793948\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\ul\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 Solicitors:
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13584524\charrsid7734952 Suresh Maharaj and Associates, Lautoka for the Petitioners
\par A K Lawyers, Ba for the Respondents
\par }}