NORMAN v. MATTHEWS, WRIGHTSON (SHIPPING), LTD.

(1937) 58 Ll.L.Rep. 351

KING'S BENCH DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Goddard.

Shipbrokers - Sale of ship - Breach of warranty of authority-Negotiations between agents for plaintiff purchaser and defendants (as agents for seller)- Terms communicated to plaintiff's agents by defendants as a "firm offer" on which seller would be willing to close-Acceptance of offer by plaintiff's agents-Subsequent refusal by seller to complete unless "class maintenance" and "free of average damage" clauses agreed to by him were omitted-Authority of shipbroker in negotiating sale-Whether defendants offered terms not authorised by seller-Enforceability of contract- Necessity for memorandum of agreement.