WESTERN INDIA MATCH COMPANY, LTD. v. LOCK AND OTHERS.

(1945) 79 Ll.L.Rep. 517

KING'S BENCH DIVISION.

Before Lord Goddard (Lord Chief Justice).

Limitation - Public authorities' protection - Requisition of ship by M.W.T. under T. 99A-Carriage of commercial cargo- Loss of cargo by fire-Alleged negligence of officers of Crown (representing M.W.T.) -Cargo of potassium chlorate loaded at Persian Gulf port for Bombay - Cargo destroyed by fire during unloading - Action brought by cargo-owners against officers of Crown - Allegation that loss occurred through their negligence both in loading and discharging - Proceedings commenced more than "one year after the date on which the cause of action accrued"-Whether defendants' acts done "in pursuance of a public duty or authority" - Limitation Act, 1939, Sect. 21 (1)-Defence Regulations, 1939.