Crook v. Fidanque

Giegerich, J.

The action was brought by the plaintiff as receiver to recover the sum of $250.80- alleged to be due for goods sold and delivered by the plaintiff’s insolvent corporation prior to its insolvency. The plaintiff put in evidence written orders. running from the defendants to the Monarch Biscuit Company, containing the following words: “ Please ship for our account,” followed by shipping directions and a description of the quantities and kind of goods desired, but containing no price nor time nor other terms of payment.

One of the defendants was permitted to testify over the plaintiff’s objection that, at the time the orders were given to the salesman of the Monarch Biscnit Company, it was agreed that the goods were to be shipped “ gratis ” and that the defendants were to pay for them only in case they should succeed in selling them at the Isthmus of Panama, to which place they were to be sent. This testimony was- corroborated by a clerk who was present at the interview.

I am of the opinion that this evidence was properly admitted. The memorandum omits 'all mention of price and time of payment and is manifestly incomplete. Under such circumstances it is well settled that parol evidence is competent to complete, though not to vary or contradict, a writing. Thomas v. Scutt, 127 N. Y. 133.

The only question is whether the words “ for our account ” are of such an import that they are contradicted by the testimony that was admitted. The expression, as I construe it, does not necessarily mean an absolute purchase, but would be equally applicable to such a transaction as the defendant testified to. In such a case, the same as in the case of an absolute sale, the goods would properly be charged on the books of the Monarch Biscuit Company against the defendants and would, in due time, have to be accounted for by them; and, consequently, it could properly be described as a shipment for the account of the defendants.

There would be no warrant under the circumstances disclosed in the case for giving to the expression under consideration the narrow and rigid meaning the plaintiff seeks to impose upon it.

Gilderslebve, J., concurs.

The judgment should be affirmed, with costs.