RULING

On the third day of the trial the applicants seek to amend their already amended statement of claim.  In essence, three matters are raised.  First, the allegation of a representation that the shop being offered to the applicants would attain a turnover of about $75,000 a week.  Secondly, an allegation of, in effect, nondisclosure of a letter dated 16 December 1993 from Composite Buyers Limited to Mr Jennings which referred to the new Epping shopping centre as being likely to be built during 1995 and that it would be “big”.  Thirdly, there is an unparticularised allegation that the respondents represented to the applicants that there were no further matters which they ought to have disclosed to the applicants.

As I indicated in the course of argument, I think it is appropriate to allow these amendments, subject to the right of the respondents to plead any appropriate defence - including a limitation defence.  There may be a ground for criticism in that the alleged representation as to the $75,000 turnover did not emerge until the course of Mr Lobendhan's evidence and that the Composite Buyers’ letter has been known for some time to the applicants’ legal advisers.  But these are matters going to the ultimate merits of these particular issues and should not bar the applicants from raising them if there be no irremediable prejudice to the respondents.

Understandably, the respondents seek some time to obtain instructions and it is not contested that a reasonable time would be the rest of the day, subject however to the interposing of another witness of the applicants’ at 2.15 pm.  Unless that witness can be heard today, he will not be available at all.  I will grant the applicants leave to make the amendments sought.  I will direct that the respondents file an amended defence by the commencement of proceedings tomorrow.  I will order that the costs thrown away by the amendment be paid by the applicants.

Associate:

Dated:              16 September 1998