AN ARCHITECT'S FEES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18710, 16 May 1924, Page 4

AN ARCHITECT'S FEES.

SHOP THAT WAS NUT ERECTED

COMPROMISE SUM AWARDED.

A" claim for professional fees was brought before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., in' the Magistrate's Court yesterday, by E. Kuport Morton, architect, of Auckland (Mr. C. G. Lennard). Defendant was W. T. Miles, storekeeper, Great North Soad, Grey Lynn (Mr. C. S. Leahy), and the amount in dispute was £42. Plaintiff stated that he had been instructed to prepare plans and specifications for a shop which defendant proposed to erect in the Great North Koad, but after tenders had been called, defendant informed him that the work could not be proceeded with owing to his failure, to raise a necessary mortgage. Plaintiff consequently sued for 4 per cent, of the contract price, in accordance with the usual custom when the work of erection was not completed. Defendant, who had paid £12 9s into Court maintained that plaintiff had approached defendant and sought engagement of his services. Nothing was said regarding the amount to be paid in. fees and he maintained that the amount paid into Court was adequate. The magistrate said it was quite clear there had been a misunderstanding. Ihe work had been done by plaintiff, however, and he proposed to award judgment on the basis of a compromise. . Judgment was given for £22 (this including the amount paid into Court) and costs £4 9s.