Wallace v. Cargo of 292,000 Feet of Pine Boards
Wallace v. Cargo of 292,000 Feet of Pine Boards
Opinion of the Court
This action is for demurrage. It is not disputed that the schooner arrived on the evening of November 9th and that the captain- reported in New York harbor to the consignees during the day of Tuesday, November 10, 1914. During that same day lie proceeded with the schooner to her berth in Whale creek, by 1 o’clock p. in. on Wednesday, November 11th, was ready to discharge, and at that hour received the permit, which was then filed in the office of the lumber company, and unloading began. This berth was at a city public wharf, where the unloading was under the direction of the city authorities. In ordinary course the cargo had to be removed as fast as unloaded, and could not be piled upo'n the wharf. The charter party had been made in Boston on the 13th of October, 1914, and provided for the carrying of a cargo of dry pine boards from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, to New York by the schooner Charles L. Jeffrey. The boat was chartered by her captain to Harrigan & Streeter, of Boston, who agreed to pay for the use of said vessel “$3.50 per M freight,” payable in, cash one-half on arrival and the balance on discharge.
“It is agreed that the lay days for loading and discharging shall be as follows: Commencing from the time the vessel is ready to receive or discharge cargo. Cargo to bo delivered to the vessel at the rate of 35 M per day and be received from the vessel at the rate of 35 M per day in New York.” “Detention” at the rate of §30 per day to be paid by the party of the second part, or agent.
It appears that the cargo was taken over the rail of the schooner onto small trucks, that the unloading did not proceed at the rate of 35 M per day, and that the crew of six men were not fully occupied during
The libelant brings his case under a strict construction and interpretation of the charter party with respect to the provisions as to lay days. The respondent presents evidence to show that upon Tuesday, November 24th, the next morning after the unloading was completed, the captain of the vessel communicated with the consignee’s agent, and that some discussion was had during the day with respect to the captain’s claim for demurrage. It would appear that he left town that afternoon, and that the same evening, in a telephone conversation with the steamship brokers, a request was made upon the agent of the consignee for payment of the freight due for the voyage. Upon request for an itemized bill, a statement was rendered by messenger as follows:
New York, Nov. 24, 1914.
Mess. Harrigan & Streeter, or Hamlin Lumber Co., to Gilmartin & Trundy, Dr.
Str. diaries L. Jeffrey.
To water freight on cargo of lumber, 292,391 ft. at $3.50
per M...$1,023.37
Less amount of draft for cash and insurance. 60.45
$962.92
Less 5 per cent, customary insurance and brokerage charge on amt. advanced....,. 3.02
Balance . $959.90
A check for $900 was sent on account, and upon the 30th of November a check for $59.90 for the balance was sent and the bill receipted. The check bore upon the back an indorsement that it was “in full for all freight, schooner Charles Jeffrey.” This was received and put-through the bank, indorsed for payment in that form. The charter party provides for the hire of the vessel during the voyage, and calls that compensation “freight.” It provides that for detention $30 per day shall be paid. »
Detention for which demurrage is to be given is to he measured by time, rather than working days; hence the libelant is entitled to collect from Friday evening until Monday evening, or -3 days.
The libelant may have a decree for S90 and costs.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- WALLACE v. CARGO OF 292,000 FEET OF PINE BOARDS
- Cited By
- 2 cases
- Status
- Published