LP Thean J:

These are two appeals by the plaintiffs against the two orders respectively of the Assistant Registrar made on 4 August 1987 on the following applications: summons-in-chambers No. 3228 of 1987 by the plaintiffs for final judgment for the amount claimed against the defendants under O. 14 of the Rules of Supreme Court and summons-in-chambers No. 3264 of 1987 by the defendants for a stay of the plaintiffs' action and all further proceedings under s. 7 of the Arbitration Act (Cap. 10, 1985 edn.). Both the applications were heard together by the learned Assistant Registrar, and at the conclusion thereof he allowed the defendants' application and made no order on the plaintiffs' application.

By an agreement in writing dated 15 September 1982 ("the Main Contract"), the defendants were engaged by Marina Centre Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("the Owner") as the main contractor for the construction of a huge development, called Marina Centre, on the land known as URA Land Parcels 83, 84, 85 and 86, Singapore. The plaintiffs are the sub-contractors of the defendants in respect of mechnical works at the Marina Centre. The sub-contract was initially made between the defendants and Car