{
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  "name": "ROY JONES v. SILER CITY MILLS, INCORPORATED, Original Defendant; MRS. ROY JONES, Additional Defendant",
  "name_abbreviation": "Jones v. Siler City Mills, Inc.",
  "decision_date": "1959-06-12",
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    "judges": [],
    "parties": [
      "ROY JONES v. SILER CITY MILLS, INCORPORATED, Original Defendant; MRS. ROY JONES, Additional Defendant."
    ],
    "opinions": [
      {
        "text": "Bobbitt, J.\nDefendant assigns as error the court\u2019s denial of its motions for judgment of nonsuit. Since defendant offered evidence, we consider only the ruling on the motion made by defendant at the close of all the evidence. G.S. 1-183; Spaugh v. Winston-Salem, 249 N.C. 194, 196, 105 S.E. 2d 610.\nUncontradicted evidence is to the effect that the feed was sold and \u2022purchased for a particular use, namely, to be fed to plaintiff\u2019s flock of laying 'chickens. Under these circumstances, there was an implied warranty that the feed was reasonably fit for the use contemplated by both seller and .purchaser. Poovey v. Sugar Co., 191 N.C. 722, 133 S.E. 12, and cases cited therein; Swift & Co. v. Aydlett, 192 N.C. 330, 135 S.E. 141; Keith v. Gregg, 210 N.C. 802, 188 S.E. 849. Indeed, defendant did not except to the court\u2019s peremptory instruction in plaintiff\u2019s favor on the first issue.\nDefendant contends there was no evidence sufficient to support a finding that -it had breached said implied warranty. Defendant cites Poovey v. Sugar Co., supra, where Brogden, J., observed that the law should not be so interpreted as to \u201cunloose a jury to wander aimlessly in the fields of speculation.\u201d But the evidential facts in Poovey v. Sugar Co., supra, are quite different from those now considered.\nThere was evidence tending to show the facts narrated below.\nPlaintiff purchased day-old chicks in October, 1956. They progressed satisfactorily. Production commenced in five to five and one-half months and increased until daily production exceeded 2,900 eggs. Then, within a period of about two weeks, late June \u2014 early July, 1957, production dropped from nearly 3,000 eggs daily to 1,500 daily. There was a further gradual drop in production. Later, plaintiff sold the chickens \u201cfor eating, table use.\u201d\nPlaintiff\u2019s dealings were with defendant\u2019s North Wilkesboro branch of which Coley Jones was manager. Plaintiff notified Coley Jones of the sharp drop in egg production. W. D. Jester, a poultry expert, specializing in poultry diseases, was sent to investigate. W. D. Jester went to plaintiff\u2019s farm, talked with plaintiff and made his investigation.\nAlong with the sharp drop in production in late June \u2014 early July, plaintiff\u2019s hens went into a moult, losing their feathers. The color of the egg shells changed from brown to white. Inside, the yellow and white ran together. Changes occurred in the ovaries and the ovaducts of the hens.\nAll of the feed consumed by plaintiff\u2019s hens was supplied by defendant. There was no change in the feeding pattern except that a short time prior to late June \u25a0 \u2014 \u2022 early July worm medicine had been mixed in, the feed.\nW. D. Jester was offered by plaintiff. He testified to conditions he found when he visited the farm -and inspected plaintiff\u2019s hens. He also testified, without objection, to certain statements then made to him by plaintiff. Based thereon, he testified that in his opinion the drop in production and the color and/ watery consistency of the eggs were \u25a0caused by \u201ca substance in there that should not have been in the laying feed.\u201d\nPlaintiff offered Dr. Franklin Joseph Hein, an employee of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, then in charge of the Poultry Pathology Diagnostic Laboratory in North Wilkesboro.\nPredicated on the finding by the jury of facts substantially as stated above, each was asked his opinion as to what could have caused the drop in egg production in late June \u2014 early July, 1957. Jester answered: \u201cI thought it was Nicarbazin.\u201d Dr. Hein answered: \u201cMy opinion would be that they had/ been poisoned with nicarbazin.\u201d He went on to explain that he did not know of any condition other than nicar-bazin poisoning that would cause these pathological changes.\nNicarbazin is used to prevent or control a disease of young chickens known as coccidiosis and is added to feed for broilers, that is, chicks raised in brooder houses and sold at from eight to ten weeks as frying size chickens. L. C. Howell, defendant's employee and witness, testified: \u201cIt is a fact that our company never knowingly feeds any nicarbazin in layer mash to chickens.\u201d Jester testified that a worm preparation \u201cshould not be nicarbazin.\u201d\nDefendant, in its North Wilkesboro plant, used the same mixer to mix feed for broilers and feed for layers. Plaintiff testified that Ooley Jones, defendant\u2019s North Wilkesboro manager, stated to him that \u201cthere could have been some broiler feed mixed by mistake.\u201d\nDefendant\u2019s evidence tended to show the precautions taken in the mixing of feed at its North Wilkesboro plant. Defendant\u2019s evidence also tended to show that all of the symptoms found i-n plaintiff\u2019s hens could not have been caused by nicarbazin and that certain of the symptoms found in plaintiff\u2019s hens could have been caused by a variety of other factors. Dr. W. H. Rhodes, an employee of the manufacturer of Niearb, was offered by defendant. He testified: \u201cIn these hens, at a .0125% of consumption of nicarbazin there is no doubt but what there could have been a drop in production provided it was fed long enough. There is no doubt whatsoever \u00a1but that the feeding of niearb at that level would change the color of the eggs from brown to white.\u201d He bad previously testified: \u201cThe normal use level for broilers is .0125%\u201d\nDefendant stresses the absence of evidence tending to show that nicarbazin was, upon analysis, actually found in the chickens, eggs or feed. It is noted that defendant continuously supplied feed to plaintiff and there is no contention that any specific shipment of feed caused the damage. Jester, .who investigated for defendant, \u201cjust made a field examination.\u201d He didn\u2019t \u201cmake any kind of laboratory tests . . . any kind of -blood tests or take any samples of blood or anything like that.\" Under the circumstances, the mere fact -that there is no evidence that an analysis was made by either party may not be regarded as fatal to plaintiff\u2019s case.\nHere we are concerned with the rule applicable to the sufficiency of circumstantial evidence in a civil action. See Hat Shops v. Insurance Co., 234 N.C. 698, 707, 68 S.E. 2d 824, and cases cited; Jyachosky v. Wensil, 240 N.C. 217, 224, 81 S.E. 2d 644. In respect of the sufficiency of circumstantial evidence to warrant a finding of negligence, see Frazier v. Gas Co., 247 N.C. 256, 100 S.E. 2d 501.\nThe evidence of damage to plaintiff\u2019s hens is plenary. Was the evidence sufficient to support a finding that the feed was not reasonably fit for the purpose for which it was sold/ and used? If the feed contained nicarbazin, the answer is, \u201cYes.\u201d When considered in the light most favorable to plaintiff, we are of opinion that the circumstantial evidence, together with the opinion testimony of Mr. Jester \u25a0and Dr. Hein, was sufficient to support -a finding that the feed consumed by plaintiff\u2019s hens contained nicarbazin. Hence, defendant\u2019s motion for judgment of nonsuit was -properly overruled.\nDefendant assigns as error the court\u2019s failure to instruct the jury, in relation to the third issue, that plaintiff was entitled to recover only such damages as were proximately caused by its breach of implied warranty. This assignment is based on exception set forth in case on appeal.\nOrdinarily, the damages recoverable for -breach of -implied warranty would be the damages proximately caused by such -breach; andi it would be the duty -of the trial judge, in his instructions relating to the measure of damages, to so charge the jury. However, as indicated below, the trial took a somewhat irregular -course.\nIn his original complaint, plaintiff asserted damages for loss of eggs, in respect -of quantity -and/ quality, and much evidence was offered in relation thereto. Plaintiff -al-so offered evidence as to the fair market value of the chickens before and after the drop in production in late June \u2014 early July.\nAt the 'Conclusion of the evidence, (1) the complaint was amended, and (2) the parties stipulated as to the measure of damages, all as set forth in our preliminary statement of facts.\nThe court instructed the jury on the third issue in strict accordance with the stipulation. Obviously, the court understood that, under the stipulation, the only question for jury determination was the difference in the market value of the chickens caused by the drop in production. At the conclusion of the charge, the court asked: \u201cAre there any further instructions as to the law or further contentions which you would like me to give?\u201d Defendant\u2019s counsel answered: \u201cNo, sir.\u201d Under these circumstances, the court's failure to go beyond the language of the stipulation does not constitute ground for a new trial. The court\u2019s instructions were based squarely on the stipulation, not on principles of law that were or may have been applicable absent such stipulation.\nThe remaining assignments of error brought forward and argued in defendant\u2019s brief have been carefully considered. Discussion thereof in detail would serve no useful purpose. Suffice to say,- none discloses error of law deemed sufficiently prejudicial to justify a new trial.\nIt is noteworthy that plaintiff\u2019s account, the basis of defendant\u2019s recovery on its counterclaim, includes charges for the feed which allegedly caused the damage to plaintiff\u2019s flock of laying hens.\nNo error.",
        "type": "majority",
        "author": "Bobbitt, J."
      }
    ],
    "attorneys": [
      "McElwee & Ferree for plaintiff, appellee.",
      "W. G. Mitchell for defendant Siler City Mills, Incorporated, appellant."
    ],
    "corrections": "",
    "head_matter": "ROY JONES v. SILER CITY MILLS, INCORPORATED, Original Defendant; MRS. ROY JONES, Additional Defendant.\n(Filed 12 June, 1959.)\n1. Appeal and Error \u00a7 51\u2014\nWhere defendant introduces evidence, only the motion to nonsuit made at the close of all the evidence is to be considered.\n2. Sales \u00a7 15\u2014\nWhere goods are bought and sold for a particular use there is an implied warranty that the goods are reasonably fit for such use.\n3. Sales \u00a7 27\u2014 Circumstantial evidence of breach of implied warranty in sale of feed held sufficient. .\nPlaintiff\u2019s evidence tending to show that defendant manufactured feed for broilers and for laying hens, that feed for broilers contained niear-bazin, that plaintiff purchased all his feed from defendant and purchased the feed in suit for laying mash, that abruptly egg production from plaintiff\u2019s flock dropped to about one-half, that the chickens moulted, that the color of the eggs changed from brown to white and were watery, together with expert testimony of two witnesses that nicarbazin should not be fed to laying hens and that only nicarbazin could have caused the results observed in plaintiff\u2019s flock is held, sufficient to be submitted to the jury on the issue of breach of implied warranty that the feed was reasonably fit for the use contemplated by both parties, notwithstanding the absence of evidence .that nicarbazin was upon analysis actually found in the chickens, eggs or feed.\n4. Same\u2014\nOrdinarily the measure of damages for the breach of implied warranty is the damage proximately caused by such breach, but when, at the conclusion of the evidence, the parties stipulate the measure of damages, an instruction in strict accord with such stipulation will not be held for error.\nAppeal by defendant Siler City Mills, Incorporated, from Preyer, J., November Term, 1958, of Wilices.\nCivil action to recover for damages to plaintiff\u2019s flock of laying chickens allegedly caused by their consumption of feed sold by Siler City Mills, Incorporated, hereafter called defendant, for plaintiff\u2019s use in raising said chickens.\nPlaintiff alleged that the feed contained nicarbazin, a chemical sold under the trade name of Nicarb; that it was not fit for use in feed for laying chickens; and that, on account of its harmful effects, there was a sharp drop in egg production, resulting in damages of $7,000.00. Plaintiff alleged (1) breach of express warranty, (2) breach of implied warranty, and (3) negligence; .but, as indicated below, the issues submitted relate to alleged 'breach of implied warranty.\nDefendant, answering, admitted the sale of the feed for consumption by plaintiff\u2019s flock of laying chickens, but denied that the condition of plaintiff\u2019s chickens was caused by any harmful element in the feed; and, as a counterclaim, defendant alleged that plaintiff and Mrs. Roy Jones, .plaintiff\u2019s wife, were indebted to it in the amount of $3,316.37, exclusive of interest, to wit, the balance on their account for chickens, feed and supplies purchased by them from defendant.\nMrs. Roy Jones was made a party. In separate answers to defendant\u2019s said counterclaim, plaintiff and Mrs. Roy Jones denied that Mrs. Roy Jones had made any purchases from defendant and denied her liability for purchases made by plaintiff from defendant.\nAt the conclusion of the evidence, the court, in its discretion, allowed plaintiff to amend his complaint. In the amendment, plaintiff alleged that, \u201cin addition to the damages hereinbefore alleged in said original complaint,\u201d \u201cthe poultry which he had, consisting of 3,980 hens,\u201d was damaged by their consumption of feed containing nicar-bazin; that immediately prior to such consumption they were reasonably worth $12,000.00 but immediately thereafter were reasonably worth 14,000.00; and that he was entitled to recover $8,000.00 on account thereof.\nThe following appears in the agreed case on appeal: \u201cAfter conclusion of the evidence and before the charge of the Court, it was agreed between counsel for plaintiff and counsel for defendant that the measure of damages for the plaintiff should be determined by the difference in the reasonable market value of the chickens immediately before the drop in production and the reasonable market value immediately thereafter.\u201d\nThe court submitted and the jury answered these issues: \u201c1. Was there an implied warranty that the feed was reasonably fit for the purpose for which it was sold and purchased, as alleged in the Complaint? Answer: Yes. 2. If so, was there a breach of said implied warranty by the defendant, Siler City Mills, Inc., as alleged in the Complaint? Answer: Yes. 3. If so, what amount of damages, if any, is the plaintiff, Roy Jones, entitled to recover from the defendant? Answer : $7,000.00. 4. In what amount, if any, is the plaintiff, Roy Jones, indebted to the defendant, Siler City Mills, Inc.? Answer: $3,104.37. 5. In what amount, if any, is Mrs. Roy Jones indebted to the defendant, Siler City Mills, Inc.? Answer: No.\u201d\nJudgment was entered, providing: (1) \u201c. . . that the plaintiff have and recover judgment against the defendant in the amount of $7,-000.00\u201d; (2) \u201c. . . that the defendant have and recover judgment against the plaintiff in the amount of $3,104.37\u201d; (3) \u201c. . . that the plaintiff be taxed with one-half the cost and that the defendant be taxed with one-half the cost.\u201d\nDefendant excepted and appealed, assigning errors.\nMcElwee & Ferree for plaintiff, appellee.\nW. G. Mitchell for defendant Siler City Mills, Incorporated, appellant."
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