A FARMER’S CLAIM

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2021, 5 March 1907, Page 1

A FARMER’S CLAIM

At Auckland last week an action was brought against Mr Jackson Palmer, chiof judge of the Native Land Court, by a Henderson farmer named Alexander McLeod, for £lO3 13s Gd, for services alleged to have been rendered. Mr Elliott appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Prendergast for defendant. Tho statement of claim sot out that on June 6, 1899, the plaintiff was engaged by defendant to manage his sheep farm at the Great Barrier at a salary of £BO per annum, and that ho occupied this position for 18 months. During that time plaintiff received £23 7s 6d as proceeds for the sale of wool, and expended several amounts, which he claimed. , Tho plaintiff gave evidence. Counsel for the defence was about to cross-oxamine, when His Honor informed him that it was not necessary for him to do so. The claim, said His Honor! was a preposterous one. The plaintiff claimed on an actual agreement for £BO, but’ this was inconsistent with liis own story that in October, 1899, lie wrote to defendant asking on what terms he was to look after the defendant’s interests at the Great Barrier. Subsequently he received’ notice to quit, blit he remained there for some time afterwards, and it was ridiculous to think that he was there on the old agreement. As fains he (His Honor) could see, it was not a just claim. Then there was the statute of limitations, which barred the action. Judgment would bo entered for defendant, with costs.