White v. McKenzie
White v. McKenzie
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiff rested his case, and the court directed a verdict for defendant. The court was of opinion that the testimony for plaintiff tended to prove a parol contract, or agreement, for an interest in lands — a contract not enforceable unless in writing —and that in any event the suit was prematurely instituted.
The declaration, which concludes with the common counts in assumpsit, contains a special count. In the
Plaintiff upon this appeal, and upon the merits— I think there is no occasion to discuss any point save the one that his agreement is not enforceable — is entitled to have his testimony viewed most favorably to himself. He is not entitled to a construction of it opposed to its reasonable significance. He described upon direct and cross-examination. what the parties
“I will take $200 for the use of my money, and we will divide all the profits above $9,000 between the three of us,” is one statement.
“He said we will all try to sell the property, and when it is sold we will divide the profits,” is another statement.
*192 “The agreement was that it did not make any difference whether the property was sold the next day or how long it might be before it was sold; that Mr. McKenzie was to have $200 for the use of his $3,800 during the time that it was tied up in this property. * * $
“Q. What was said as to how the rent would carry the property along?
“A. Simply that we would divide the profits on the property — the income and the outgo at the time the deal was completed.
“Q. I want to know what was said between you men with respect to the rent that that property would bring, carrying the property along.
“A. Why simply that the property had that rental on it, and that we would sell it, and when we would sell it we would divide the profits on it.
“Q. Do you mean to say that it was included in your agreement that you should have one-third of the rent the property brought in, Mr. Welch one-third, and Mr. McKenzie one-third?
“A. That is the understanding.
“Q. That was the agreement?
“A. Yes, sir.”
This testimony, given by plaintiff, is somewhat varied by the following:
“Mr. McKenzie said that he would make the proposition of $8,800 for that property. He would take $200 for the use of his money, and that we would sell it for all we could above $9,000 and divide the profits on the deal.
“Q. And that was all that was said?
“A. That was the proposition in toto; Mr. McKenzie was to pay the taxes.
“Q. What was said about that?
“A. Why he would take care of those things when they came along.
“Q. Did he say that?
“A. I believe so; I won’t swear to that absolutely. * * * I don’t recall any conversation as to who should pay the interest on the outstanding mortgage of $5,000. There was nothing said at all as to who should pay the upkeep of the property.”
“McKenzie says we would take the property for $9,000. We would divide any profits over $9,000, and I ought to have the $200 for the use of my money.
“Q. What money?
“A. Well, whatever he would have to put in.
“Q. How much would he have to put in to swing the deal?
“A. Well, there was a mortgage of $5,000 on the property, and that would necessitate the $3,800, and so, of course, he would have to take care of that; whatever arrangements he could make they were satisfactory to us; we did not care.
“Q. And then he said that all over and above $9,000 that the property was disposed of or sold for, what would be done with that?
“A. And when it was sold we were to Share thirds in the profits above the $9,000. * * *
“Q. As between you three men it was a joint proposition?
“A. To share equally in the profits made, except that Mr. McKenzie was to have the $200 for the use of his money.
“Q. That is correct, is it?
“A. We were to share in the profits.
“Q. Just answer that ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ please; that is the only answer that question calls for.
“A. Oh, I suppose that is so; yes, sir.
“Q. That was your understanding of it at least?
“A. Yes, sir.”
There can be no reasonable doubt, I think, that the plaintiff’s case, vague as it is, amounts to no more than this, that by voluntary agreement title to the land was placed in defendant, with a parol understanding how he should hold it. He was to hold it for sale at a profit for joint account. The rentals to accrue from it were to be used at least to maintain it. An ac
The judgment is affirmed, with costs to appellee.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- WHITE v. McKENZIE
- Status
- Published