Sherman v. Hicks, 14 N.M. 439

Sherman v. Hicks

14 N.M. 439 | N.M. | 1908

OPINION OF THE COURT.

MANN, J.

1 The question of whether or not the appellees loaned the cable in question to the appellant, was one of fact and we think properly submitted to the jury. True, there, was some conflict in the testimony, but to determine the facts from conflicting evidence is the peculiar province of a jury. There was evidence tending to show that Hicks and one Fisher called upon Cummings, one of the appellees, and borrowed the cable, Hicks assuming the responsibility .and agreeing to pay damages as might occur by reason of the loan. It further appears from the evidence that the cable was taken from the constructive possession of the appellees and taken to the land of appellant and used in a well being, bored for him by Fisher. It is not very clear just who actually got the cable from the place where appellees had it and took it to the Hick’s place, but we think the learned trial court properly submitted the question to the jury as to the delivery from appellees to appellant and it is a well settled principle that the verdict of a jury will not be disturbed by this court where there is evidence to sustain it.

A constructive delivery and acceptance is sufficient to constitute a bailment. 5 Cyc. 165; and authorities cited.

2 2. It necessarily follows that the trial court did not err in refusing to instruct a peremptory verdict for defendant on the ground that there was no evidur.c^ of delivery, in view of what has been said.

3. The third contention of counsel for appellant is that the court erred in overruling his motion to make more definite and certain on the second and third groando of the motion to-wit: “That they, plaintiffs, be required to state definitely the purpose and object of said loan and for whose benefit the loan was made.” “Third: That they be required to specify with certainty the use to which said cable was to be put. as agreed upm by the parties when the contract of loan was made.”

3 Counsel contend that by the ruling of the court appellant was deprived of a defense of the Statute of Frauds, but we cannot see that this follows. Appellant might have pleaded the Statute of Frauds, had he seen fit, to the complaint as it stood, claiming that he borrowed for the sole benefit of Fisher. He, however, elected to deny that he borrowed the cable at all and cannot now be heard to complain. If appellant borrowed the cable for the use of Fisher, he must have been fully apprised of the fact, regardless of the allegations of the complaint.

It is not the office of a motion to malee more definite and certain to point out matters within the knowledge of the movant, but rather'to specify matters not within his knowledge, so that he may property plead thereto. St. Louis & S. F. Ry. Co. v. French, (Kans.) 44 Pac. 12; Railway Co. v. Merrill, 40 Kans. 404, 19 Pac. 793.

As there are no errors appearing in the record, the judgment of the tyial court is affirmed.