Miles v Sydney Meat-Preserving Company Limited [1913] UKPCHCA 3

Miles v Sydney Meat-Preserving Company Limited [1913] UKPCHCA 3

On the evidence, the business of the company has been carried on in the interests of shareholders generally and with a view to making profits, not solely for the benefit of graziers. Therefore, the shareholder's claim for relief fails.

Parties
Appellant; Plaintiff: Miles; Respondents; Defendants: The Sydney Meat-Preserving Company (Limited) and others
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
16 December 1913
Procedural Posture
Company; Equity (shareholder Action) / Appeal From the High Court to the Privy Council
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Injunction, Shareholder Rights, Ultra Vires Acts, Dividend Policy, Majority Oppression
Company Law Equity Injunction Shareholder Rights Ultra Vires Acts Dividend Policy Majority Oppression

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Parties

Miles

Appellant; Plaintiff

The Sydney Meat-Preserving Company (Limited) and others

Respondents; Defendants

Procedural Posture

Company; Equity (shareholder Action) / Appeal From the High Court to the Privy Council

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the company and its directors are entitled to carry on the company's business not with a view to earning dividends for shareholders, but to benefit the pastoral industry or shareholder-graziers
  2. 2 Whether carrying on business in this way infringes the rights of non-grazier shareholders

Ratio Decidendi

On the evidence, the business of the company has been carried on in the interests of shareholders generally and with a view to making profits, not solely for the benefit of graziers. Therefore, the shareholder's claim for relief fails.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed with costs