CUNNINGHAM v. A.C. LUMBER CORP'N

Mr. J.O. O'Bryan, for appellant, cites: Evidence of negotiations at time contract was made is admissible: 98 S.C. 8; 108 S.C. 108. Where no definite time is fixed to commence cutting it must be commenced within a reasonable time: 89 S.C. 328; 90 S.C. 153; 98 S.C. 8; 102 S.C. 289; 108 S.C. 108. Court has held that 13 and 14 years were unreasonable: 98 S.C. 8; 102 S.C. 289. Messrs. Kelly Hinds, for respondents, cite: Under deed cutting was to commence within a reasonable time, and what was a reasonable time is to be determined by facts and circumstances of the case: 89 S.C. 328; 90 S.C. 153. Where construction of contract is rendered doubtful by its language, the interpretation placed on it by the parties is usually controlling: 89 S.C. 73; 54 S.C. 582; 100 S.C. 1; 105 S.C. 107; 67 S.E. 185. Where time is essence of contract it may be waived: 9 Cvs. 608; 59 U.S. (L. Ed.) 312; 19 N.W. (Iowa) 312; 32 U.S. (L. Ed.) 468; 83 S.E. 857. Clark Contracts 676. Waiver: 4 Cyc. 252; 48 So. 213 (Fla.); 49 N.E. 612 (Ind.); 103 N.W. 112 (Iowa); 68 A. 658 (Me.); 75 N.W. 445 (Mich.); 130 S.W. 500 (Mo.); 99 S.W. 55 (Mo.); 92 S.W. 355 (Mo.); 69 P. 938 (Okla.); 148 Fed. 145, 153; 78 C.C.A. 279; 11 Fed. 19, 31; 49 C.C. A. 216; 96 Fed. 34, 54; 83 Fed. 684, 687; 28 C.C.A., 9; 82 Fed. 406, 409; 27 C.C.A. 42; 47 L.R.A. 450; 43 S.C. 57. Ten years a reasonable time: 89 S.C. 343; 90 S.C. 163. Cutting need not be continuous: 80 S.C. 109.