"This is an extremely unusual dispute. I remain in some doubt as to how and why such a dispute has been allowed to get this far and I question the underlying tactical considerations, which I cannot begin to fathom, that could be said to justify the extensive costs that these applications have engendered." And there isn't much that Mr Justice Coulson cannot begin to fathom. I told you about the case of Martin Daws, the owner of Dinmore Manor, and construction company Treasure & Son at the end of last year (30 November, page 60). Mr Daws wanted to produce a world class stud facility for showjumping horses. Treasure's final account was in the order of ￡15m. It was, and still is, the final million that is in dispute. The first round was won by the contractor because the adjudicator awarded it the film. That million pound payment stalled, so the court last year ordered payment. Mr Daws stumped up. Well, er, that's not quite true. On checking, Treasure discovered that the sum had come from the account of Hayley Daws, Mr Daws' daughter. Treasure, despite having the Elm cheque in its hands, began to fret. It wanted an explanation. It didn't get one.
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