...plaintiffs in a position to turn the contract into a debt valued and proved. The general principle, however, that a statute is not to be construed so as to have a retrospective operation, is a just one; for, persons ought not to have their rights affected by laws...

...since 1st November, 1900. It will scarcely be contended that this was the intention of the Legislature. A statute is not to be construed so as to have a retrospective operation unless the language plainly requires such construction : Hardcastle on Statutes,...

...its language is such as plainly to require that construction ; and this involves the subordinate rule that a statute is not to be construed so as to have...retrospective operation than its language renders necessary (p). Except in special cases, a new Act ought to be so construed as to interfere as little as possible...

...operation unless it is expressly and clearly declared to have had that effect, and even in this case it is not to be construed so as to have a greater retrospective operation than its language renders 1 E. v. Burah, ILR, 4 Cal., 172 to be prospective, and not retro(182), PC spective, in its operation,"...

...general discretion as to the mode of conducting the inquiry before him (Tillarn v. Copp, 5 CB 211); that a statute is not to be construed so as to have a retrospective effect, unless the words are very clear (Thompson v. Lock, 3 CB 551); that an arbitrator...

...retrospective operation unless its language is such as plainly to require such a construction ; and the same rule involves another and subordinate rule to the effect that a statute is not to he construed so as to have a greater retrospective operation than its language renders necessary."...

...the Legislature had no power to change it, or direct that payment should be made to any other person. A statute is not to be construed so as to have a retroactive effect, unless its terms require that it should be so construed. New York & Oswego MRR...

...its language is such as plainly to require that construction ; and this involves the subordinate rule that a statute is not to be construed so as to have...retrospective operation than its language renders necessary. Except in special cases, a new Act ought to be construed so as to interfere as little as possible with...

...very clearly in the terms of the Act or arises by necessary and distinct implication ; and the same rule involves another and subordinate rule to the...retrospective operation than its language renders necessary. Even in construing a section which is to a certain extent retrospective, the maxim ought to be borne...

...court is to go in search of the legislative intent." (Ibid., 450.) [9] It is also an established rule that a statute is not to be construed so as to have a retroactive effect unless the intent that it is to be retroactive clearly appears from the statute...