Limitation of actions. General issue. Treble costs.
16. And be it further enacted, That if any action or suit shall be brought or commenced against any person for any thing done in pursuance of this act, such action or suit shall be commenced within six months next after the matter or thing done; and the defendant in such suit or action may plead the general issue, and give this act and the special matter in evidence at any trial to be had thereupon; and if a verdict shall pass for the defendant, or the plaintiff shall be nonsuited, or discontinue his action after the defendant has appeared, or if judgement shall be given, upon any verdict or demurrer, against the plaintiff, the defendant shall recover treble costs, and have the like remedy for the same as defendants have in other cases by law.
No officer of the customs capable of acting as a justice.
17. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That no officer whatever, being in the service of his Majesty’s customs in the island of Newfoundland, shall be capable of acting as a justice of the peace in and for the said island.
Continuance of this act.
18. And be it further enacted, That this act shall continue in force until the tenth day of June one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, and from thence to the end of the then next session of Parliament.
FINIS.
FOOTNOTES
[1] While this was pending at the board, a letter was read at the committee from Sir Lionel Jenkins, touching the continuance of the king’s sovereignty, in case the plantation were deserted; wherein is stated the advantage the French might take by the absence of the English, and the methods proper to be followed in such case, to maintain the king’s dominion and sovereignty.