44 F.2d 855 | S.D.N.Y. | 1930
Admittedly, the two witnesses whose depositions de bene essee are sought under section 639, title 28, U. S. Code (28 USCA § 639), have “legal residences” more than 100 miles from the place of trial of the action. They actually live at those “legal residences,” although they spend the greater part of each week at the offices of the Dairymen’s League in New York City. I am clear, therefore, that both witnesses are within the section, no matter how narrow a construction is given to the word “lives.” Frost v. Barber (C. C.) 173 F. 848; Mutual Ben. Life Ins. Co. v. Robison (C. C. A.) 58 Fed. 723, 732, 22 L. R. A. 325; Green v. Victor Talking Mach. Co. (D. C.) 15 F.(2d) 869. And the purpose of the statute is not to be thwarted even though the witnesses have business offices in New York City. Blood v. Morrin (C. C.) 140 F. 918. It is settled, also, that the deposition of a party may be obtained under the section, Hartman v. Feenaughty (C. C.) 139 F. 887; Blood v. Morrin, supra, even though an examination before trial under the New York Code is not permissible. Hanks Dental Ass’n v. International Tooth Crown Co., 194
I cannot see that the offer of the defendants to produce the witnesses at the trial in any way meets the situation, as much may happen between now and the date of trial, and the plaintiff desires the depositions now to perpetuate the testimony. It is understood that the place of the examination will be arranged satisfactorily with the two witnesses in order that their business engagements may be interfered with as little as possible.
The motion to vacate is denied.