Samiu Molitoni Naislai (48), a Bingo organiser in Nuku'alofa, appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court today to answer a civil action brought by Tui International Limited for failing to pay an outstanding account.

The court was told that in September 2002 on various occasions Nasilai and Tui International Ltd came to a verbal agreement that he would purchase on credit, frozen meat for his raffle and later pay for it, and he did so accordingly.

However, in October to November 2002, and in January 2003, the plaintiff claimed that the defendant who again purchased for his raffle frozen meats amounting to $2,221.08 on credit refused to pay for it later.

Tui International claimed that despite various payment requests made to the defendant he still refused to pay the balance of his account, and it still remained due and owing.

The defendant on the other hand argued that he had no outstanding accounts with Tui International Limited.

Tui International is represented by Tomasi Fakahua, and the defendant is represented by Sione Kengike.

The hearing before Mr Justice Anthony Ford, started on Monday May 9 and is expected to be completed this week.