Currier v. W. M. Ritter Lumber Co.

64 S.E. 763, 150 N.C. 694, 1909 N.C. LEXIS 128

• Court: Supreme Court of North Carolina
• Decided: May 21, 1909
• Status: Published

Opinion

Brown, J.

Tbe material points in this appeal are embraced in tbe second and fourth issues — that is to say, whether there was a contract of employment for tbe entire year of 1907. Tbe action is brought upon the assumption that there was such a contract of employment, and tbe plaintiff seeks to recover damages for tbe entire year, although be did no work after the first few days in July, 1907. If there were such a contract and be was wrongfully discharged, be would be entitled to such damages less what be might have earned upon reasonable effort. Smith v. Lumber Co., 142 N. C., 26.

His Honor instructed the jury that upon the letters and other undisputed testimony there was no such contract for the entire year of 1907, but that the employment was from month to month. It is admitted that the correctness of this ruling is the only question presented.

In contracts for personal service the English rule is that when no time is fixed and no stipulation as to payment made, it is presumed to extend for a year. In this country, when no time is fixed and no stipulated period of payment made, the contract is terminated at the will of either party. 20 A. and E. Oye., 14; Soloman v. Sewerage Co., 142 N. C., 445; Edwards v. Railroad, 121 N. C., 490.

The evidence of the contract is wholly in writing, in the form of correspondence, and there is no evidence of any, other contract subsequent thereto.

We think his Honor’s interpretation of the letters is correct, and in accord with the case of Edwards v. Railroad, 121 N. C., 490.

No Error.