Article 49 said disputes between the association and a member should go to arbitration, before court.

Mr Hickman complained about refusal to register his sheep in the published flock book and was under threat of being expelled.

He started proceedings in the High Court and the association sought an injunction.

Astbury J held that the articles prevented Mr Hickman: there was a contract.

As a member, Mr Hickman was bound to comply with the company procedure for arbitrating disputes and could not resort to court.