Hastings S.M. Court.

Hastings Standard, Issue 422, 10 September 1897, Page 2

Hastings S.M. Court.

At the S.M. Court this morning, before Mr Turnbull, judgment was given in the following cases : Stubbs, Paterson and Co. v. Ihia Hutana, claim £3 18s, costs 14s 6d. H. Mossman v. Iritana Waimatao, claim £6, costs 27s 6d. J. Cullen v. M. Barry, claim £5 8s Id, costs 23s 6d. D. Pilmer v. luea, claim £2 15s, costs 13s Gd. J. Simpson v. Renata Tanihu, claim £4, costs 40s. A. C. Lewis v. claim £4 lis, forthwith or a week's imprisonment. W. Y. Dennett (Ebbett) v. T. Quinlivan (Lewis), claim £l4, a disputed promissory note. After legal argument judgment was given for £6 7s, costs 18s, solicitors 265, and witnesses expenses 6s. S. G. Popplewell (Lewis) v. Ivingarangi Hapuku ; judgment summons for £lO5. As it was evident from defendant's evidence that he had no money at his immediate command the case was adjourned to November 12 to give him time to raise money foe the partial liquidation of the debt. RECOVERY OF RENT. E. A. Wright (W. J. White) v. S. G. Popplewell (E. H. Lee). This was a case for the recovery of £lO, rent of offices in the occupation of defendant. Mr W. J. W T hite, agent for Mr Wright, deposed that defendant in a conversation with him admitted his liability for rent from December 4th to June 1897. He refrained from suing defendant as his position was not good and it would be a waste of money, but he had now got the position of Government Valuer for this district.

Mr A. P. Sheath deposed to occupying the offices on getting defendant's permission and to the fact of Popplewell's occupation of the premises. Mr Arthur Tickner, commission agent, sworn, valued the offices from 7s 6d to 8s per week. S. G. Popplewell, sworn, said he did not require the offices and he informed Mr White that if rent were required he would give up the key at once. Did not use the store. Denied agreeing to pay rent from December 4th, 1896. White said he had no instructions to sue for rent and there was an amicable agreement with White for witness to hand over the key and White would forego rent. Mr Sheath asked permission of witness to store some things for a few days. He said he had no authority but thought there would be no harm in letting him do so, adding that he (Sheath) would act at his own risk. He thought the office itself was worth only 3s. Could have sub-let the store and yard, but always referred applicants to Mr White saying he (witness) was only there on sufferance.

Judgment was given for plaintiff for £9, Court costs 14s, solicitor 265, witnesses' expenses 10s.