Chatfield v Jones


Chatfield v Jones 3 NZLR 285 is a cited case in New Zealand regarding the issue of notice of cancellation of a contract, where a contract has been breached.

Background

In November 1986, the parties agreed to transfer the shares in Acorn Limited, which operated a tourist train, in the Coral Coast, Fiji for $875,000. When the purchasers neglected to pay for the shares the following year, the shares were resold for $100,000, and sued the purchasers for the loss.
The purchasers defended the claim, saying they were not notified of the cancellation of the contract.

Held

Held, the court ruled that the vendors statement of claim notified them that the contract had been cancelled.