WANGANUI ITEMS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7963, 6 September 1887, Page 3

WANGANUI ITEMS.

SUPPLYING ORBTI WITH VEGETABLES. [PBOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] At the Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday an important decision was given by Mr. Ward, R.M. A market gardener sued Mr. Mase field, the owner of the steamer Oreti, for the value of some vegetables supplied to the stewards of the boat at various times. The plaintiff in his evidence stated that he had not given the stewards credit on their own account, but understood the owner of the vessel wus to be lesponsible for payment on the other side. Mr. Masbfield gave evidence that he took noaotive interest in the boat's running, other parties having chartered her, though he waß the registered owner. He had not given anyone authority to pledge his credit for stores for the vessel. Evidence was also given to fibow that the steward was providore, and was, paid by the charterers at so much per head for boarding the crew and passengers. Counsel for the defence argued that as it was shown that the eontrnot had been entered into with the steward, who was the only person responsible, and no agency had been proved, the registered .owner could not be held responsible for debts contracted on behalf ot the charterers. Plaintiff's counsel contended that as the goods were supplied to the ship the owner was jninid facie responsible. The plaintiff was non-suited, the Magistrate looking on it as a contract between providore and plaintiff.