67 N.C. 107 | N.C. | 1872
This is a case of claim and delivery. "The witness testified, that after the plaintiff had put the mill in possession of the defendant, it was agreed that defendant should have it till January. Some said until January, and others the first day of January. That the plaintiff demanded it of the defendant in December; and on 1 January (108) the summons in this action issued. The defendant's counsel prayed the Court to instruct the jury that, as there was no demand after the plaintiff (Felton's) right to possession accrued, plaintiff could not recover." The Court told the jury that the plaintiff *80 must have had the right of possession at the time of the commencement of the action, and if the bailment had not terminated then, that he could not recover. But if they found, from the evidence, that by the contract between the parties the bailment was at an end, no demand was necessary, especially if they found that the defendant was, after the termination of the bailment, and at the commencement of the suit, holding it adversely and claiming it as "his own."
We see no error in this charge against the defendant. We think it at least quite as favorable as the testimony warranted. The question as to the termination of the bailment, whether it terminated on the first moment of the first day of January, or on the last moment of the last day, thereby giving the defendant until the close of that day, was fairly submitted to the jury. This Court thinks that, inasmuch as the defendant, in his answer, set up title to the mill and claimed it as his absolute property, no demand was necessary. Cui bona, make a demand.
When a tenant has attorned to a stranger, or done some other act disclaiming to hold as tenant to the landlord, a notice to quit is not necessary; 3 Phillips Ev. 276.
This is the law in case of a denial in pais, much more is it so when he puts it upon record by his plea to the action.
PER CURIAM. No Error.
Cited: Gerringer v. Ins. Co.,
(109)