Broadfoot Iron Works, Inc. v. Bugg

Pee Oueiam. There was error in the refusal of defendants’ motion for judgment as of nonsuit at the close of all the evidence. There was no evidence tending to show that the defendants are liable to the plaintiff for the repairs made on their property by the plaintiff, at the request of their lessee, and while the property was in his possession. This is not an action to recover on a lien on personal property under the provisions of 0. S., 2435. The statute is applicable only when the property repaired by an artisan or mechanic is in his possession. In such case, the artisan or mechanic may retain possession of the property which he has repaired, at the request of “the owner or legal possessor,” until his just and reasonable charges for his work and materials have been paid. Johnson v. Yates, 183 N. C., 24, 110 S. E., 630, is readily distinguished from the instant case. In that case it was held that the mechanic who had repaired an automobile at the request of a mortgagor had the right to retain possession of the automobile as against the mortgagee until his reasonable charges had been paid. The judgment is Reversed.