Varadachariar, J.

1. This appeal arises out of a suit for partition. The first plaintiff and the other defendants are their sons and grandsons. Till 1915, the two branches constituted an undivided Hindu family which was possessed of extensive properties, movable and immovable. They had also a family business. In 1915 partition between the two branches began and the parties have gone on dividing portions of the properties, from time to time, sometimes by arrangement between themselves and sometimes through arbitrators. Some movables, some immovables and various outstandings remained undivided even at the date of the plaint in this suit which was filed in 1931. After the division began in 1915, the family trade continued to be carried on till 1922, though it appears that from 1920 the defendants began to do business on their own account as well. After 1922 it is admitted that no further business was carried on in common. On the other hand, the plaintiffs branch also began to do business on its own account from 1922. Between 1922 and the date of the institution of this suit, the outstandings due to the family were being collected by the first plaintiff or the first defendant ac