Johns v. Webster

Progress, Volume XIII, Issue 11, 1 July 1918, Page 252

Johns v. Webster

Auckland Builder’s Case A motion by the defendants in the case of Messrs. Johns and Sons (Mr. Iladdow), builders, against J. D. Webster and H. C. Tonks (Mr. Ostler), proprietors of the Grand Theatre, asking the Court to review the registrar’s award of £416 Bs. 6d., for costs, was beard at the Supreme Court, in Chambers, on July 9th, by Mr. Justice Cooper. Decision was reserved. Decision in respect to the orginial claim was given some time ago, the amount of £363 15s. 9d. being awarded to the plaintiffs, the costs to be taxed by the registrar. The costs awarded by the registrar amounted to £416 Bs. , 6d., in addition to which defendants were ordered to pay four-fifths of the referee’s fee of about £9O.

When the motion before the Court has been settled the protracted litigation between the owners and builders of the Grand Theatre will be concluded. When the action was first taken judgment was obtained by the plaintiffs by default, with costs, the amount involved totalling £492 ss. 3d. On defendants' application the case was reopened and a defence entered. After a lengthy hearing plaintiffs obtained judgment for £363 and costs, a total of over £BSO.