Case Name: CONRAD W. SCHAUFFELEE, TRADING, &c., DEFENDANT IN ERROR, v. ABRAHAM GREENBERG ET AL., PLAINTIFFS IN ERROR
Court: New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Decision Date: 1912-11-18
Citations: 83 N.J.L. 737
Docket Number: 
Parties: CONRAD W. SCHAUFFELEE, TRADING, &c., DEFENDANT IN ERROR, v. ABRAHAM GREENBERG ET AL., PLAINTIFFS IN ERROR.
Judges: 
Reporter: New Jersey Law Reports
Volume: 83
Pages: 737–739

Head Matter:
CONRAD W. SCHAUFFELEE, TRADING, &c., DEFENDANT IN ERROR, v. ABRAHAM GREENBERG ET AL., PLAINTIFFS IN ERROR.
Submitted July 8, 1912
Decided November 18, 1912.
A contract, providing for a certificate of approval to be given by a third person, will be construed to mean an approval of the subject-matter comprised within the terms of the contract unless a contrary meaning clearly appear.
On error to the Supreme Court, whose opinion is reported in 53 Vroom 343.
For the plaintiffs in error, Stackhouse & Kramer.
For the defendant in error. Joseph Beck Tyler.

Opinion:
The opinion of the court was delivered by
Yoorheiís, J.
The plaintiff made two contracts in writing with the defendant to wire his "Moving Picture Parlor" jn Camden. Each of these contracts specified what work was to be done, and the consideration to be paid. In one of the contracts this clause appears, "making the total 198' lights and wiring done for are machines passed by Phila. Surburban Underwriter's Association, and certificates for the same." In the other contract was incorporated the provision, "all work to be first class, best of material used, passed by Phila. Suburban Underwriters Association."
The suit, was brought to recover the entire consideration of each contract, together with certain extra work. Judgment was entered in favor of the plaintiff for the full amount. This judgment was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
At the trial, the plaintiff admitted his inability to- obtain a formal certificate from the underwriters association, and testified that the association insisted that there were defects in the building, not, however, connected with the work done by him, or comprehended in his contracts. ITe then offered three letters, addressed to the plaintiff by the association, signed by its managers, the first two pointing out why it refused to issue a formal certificate, and the last specifying certain requirements yet to be performed, and stating, "Our inspector reports that this is not up to Mr. Schauffelee, but to the owner, therefore Mr. Schauffelee's work is approved." The letters were admitted over defendant's objection, but no grounds were stated. The only valid reasons assigned for reversal bear solely upon the legality of the admission of these letters.
The contracts are informal and indefinite and differ from the usual form of building contracts, which generally provide for the production of an architect's certificate, as a condition precedent to entitle payments to be made.
A contract providing for a certificate of approval to be given by a third person will be construed to mean an approval of the subject-matter comprised within the terms of the contract, unless, a contrary meaning clearly appear.
A fair reading of these contracts demonstrates that the plaintiff's engagement was to produce an approval of the material and work which he agreed to furnish and perform, and that such engagement did not relate- to other conditions which might exist in the building. The letters were evidential upon this point and were properly admitted by the trial court.
The judgment oí the Supreme Court will be affirmed.
For affirmance~Tmi Chancellor, Chief Justice, Garrison, Swayze, Bergen, Yoobhees, Bogert, Yredenburgii, Congdon, White, Treacy, JJ. 11.
For reversal — None.