Lennard, J. in Singapore. The pleadings were as follows:--

STATEMENT OF CLAIM.

1. The plaintiffs were a Limited Company incorporated and registered

in Penang and were at all material times the owners ( inter

alia) of the following nine steamers:--

S.S. Pungah S.S. Perak S.S. Perlis

S.S. Jin Ho S.S. Renong S.S. Ghirbi

S.S. Omapere S.S. Pin Seng S.S. Trang

2. Previously to the 4th October, 1918 negotiations took place

between the Honourable the Colonial Secretary and the Shipping

Committee of the Straits Settlements on the one side and the

plaintiffs on the other side for the charter by the Government of

the Straits Settlements of the said nine steamers. In the course

of such negotiations the plaintiffs were requested to sign

charter-parties in the form known as the "Liner Requisition

Charter-Party." The plaintiffs did not agree to the rate of hire

offered for the said steamers and refused to sign any

charter-parties.

3. The said Shipping Committee was appointed on the 18th April, 1918

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