Bunting v. . Stancill , 79 N.C. 180 ( 1878 )

At the last session of the general assembly an act was passed and went into effect on 17 February, 1877, which repeals chapter 39 of Battle's Revisal and chapter 112, Laws 1874-'75, and reinstates and declares in force chapter 164, Laws 1868-'69. The statute thus revived provides fully for the drainage of wet and overflowed lands, through canals or ditches cut in the lands of others, and regulates in detail the proceedings necessary thereto.

At the same session another act was passed entitled, "An act for draining wet lands." which was ratified on 9 March following, and was in force from and after that day. Laws 1876-'77, ch. 222. This act also undertakes to regulate the whole subject of drainage, and is full and explicit in prescribing how its provisions shall be carried into effect. It is also repeals all laws and clauses of laws in conflict with itself. Sec. 14. This act directs proceeding to be commenced by summons "returnable to the next term of the Court," that all persons interested be made parties, and that a complaint shall be filled as in civil actions. This was not done by the plaintiff, but he commenced his suit as a special proceeding before the clerk under the act of 27 February, and if this act is superceded and annulled by the act of 9 March, his action must fail. This is in our opinion the correct view of the case. The two acts are in pari materia, cover the entire subject matter of drainage and reclaiming of wet lands, and direct how it shall be done. Their provisions are inconsistent, and confession and embarrassment would flow from an attempt to give effect to each. prevail. It is true there may be cumulative remedies for the enforcement of the same right, and to be sought in concurrent jurisdictions. But when (182) the right and remedy are given in a single enactment, and as here, are so inseparably associated that the one can not be enjoyed except through the use of the other, it must be considered or having the effect of repealing the former legislation for which it is substituted. The title of the act clearly indicates this purpose, as do the provisions contained in its body execute that purpose.

We therefore declare that the plaintiff has misconceived his remedy and his action was properly dismissed.

PER CURIAM. Judgment affirmed.

Cited: Durden v. Simmons, 84 N.C. 55; S. v. Monger, 111 N.C. 679.