MABRO v. WILLIAM BROWN, ATKINSON & CO., LTD.

(1944) 78 Ll.L.Rep. 555

KING'S BENCH DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Atkinson.

Shipbrokers-Account-Claim by Egyptian shipowner for an account of moneys received by defendant shipbrokers on plaintiff's behalf-Charters of plaintiff's steamers effected by defendants with M.W.T.-M.W.T. responsible for war risk insurance-Vessels uninsured against marine risks-Vessels lost without trace -Steps taken by defendants to recover from M.W.T. on basis of war loss-Proposals for arbitration-Full settlement made by M.W.T. after protracted negotiations with defendants (and their solicitors) - Deductions made by defendants disputed by plaintiff: (1) £525 agreed solicitors' charges; (2) £850 collecting commission; (3) £402 commission in respect of defendants' guarantee of premiums; (4) £63 expenses-Authority of defendants - Consideration of correspondence passing between parties concerning charges authorised to be made -Solicitors engaged by defendants - Charges agreed by defendants without plaintiff's knowledge-(1) reduced to £210; (2) allowed; (3) reduced to £161; (4) disallowed.