246 Mass. 377 | Mass. | 1923
The deed of the collector of taxes under which Wilbur, who has entered into possession, claims title to the premises described in the bill of complaint was invalid. The assessments to the George Blanchard heirs who appeared of record as owners of the property, was lawfully levied. But, while the deed recites that demand for payment was made on them, the statute then in force required the collector to state the “ name of the person on whom the demand . . . was made.” St. 1909, c. 490, Part II, §§ 14, 44. Conners v. Lowell, 209 Mass. 111, 118. The ruling of the presiding judge that the deed was fatally defective was right.
The deed having been recorded, the title of Bertram, who claimed to be the owner of the property, was clouded, and he asks in his bill that Wilbur be ordered to release all his right, title and interest derived from the conveyance of the collector. Smith, v. Smith, 150 Mass. 73. Sawyer v. Cook, 188 Mass. 163, 170. The bill is not a bill to redeem from a valid tax sale, and the statute limiting such suits to six years from the date of sale, on which the defendant relies in his answer, is inoperative. St. 1909, c. 490, Part II, § 76. Smith v. Smith, 150 Mass. 73. Barker v. Mackay, 168 Mass. 76, 79.
The defence of loches, although not pleaded, is also urged. But assuming that this defence is open, the suit in which the defendant entered a general appearance having been begun within six years after the plaintiff discovered the invalidity of the sale, no unreasonable delay is shown. Sunter v. Sunter, 190 Mass. 449, 456. Steward v. Joyce, 201 Mass. 301, 307, 308. Britton v. Goodman, 235 Mass. 471. Paige v. Sinclair, 237 Mass. 482.
The plaintiff derives his alleged title from the foreclosure by Emily Bertram of a mortgage which was outstanding of record when the assessments and sale were made. It is contended by the defendant that the mortgage, on which
A full examination of the exceptions in so far as argued reveals no error of law, and they should be overruled.
So ordered.