DISPUTED AGREEMENT.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 152, 30 September 1926, Page 4

DISPUTED AGREEMENT.

TOKOROA CASE. In the Putaruru Court on Thursday the Mataraw'a Land Company proceeded against Frederick Butcher and his wife for the sum of £74 8s 2d, in respect of a farm taken over by the defendants. James Campbell Baird, of Napier, managing director of the company, stated that Butcher had signed the provisional agreement, but wdien the documents had been drawn up had never forwarded stamp duty and solicitor’s fees. Defendant and his family had occupied the farm during the period from December 1, 1925, to June 1, 1926. Witness had spoken to defendant, but he had refused to complete. In all the agreements made by liis company the tenants had to erect the boundary fences. His company also claimed for some stock which had been sold to Butcher. Frederick Butcher, the, defendant, claimed that he had written on two occasions to the company in regard to the boundary fence. There was no fence on a portion of the boundary for a distance of 80 to 90 chains. He

had only occupied three acres and the cottage. He had made an offer of 13s 6d per week, which he considered was a fair rental. He had come to an agreement with Mr. J. Campbell wdthro gard to the fencing, but after doing about 20 chains had discontinued owing l to a further difference. He had never had a detailed account of solicitor’s costs, and had paid for all the stock bought. In cross-examination, defendant contradicted himself, admitting that The had taken a lease of the farm, and plaintiffs though non-suited in respect to the claim for stock, were awarded £SO 8s 4d, plus £9 9s costs, on the main count.