Rule 30 of the Principal Rules is rescinded and the following rule is substituted:

30.     Registry in which action to proceed

(1)  If an action is not defended, the parties are to conduct the action, up to and including final judgment, in the registry in which the action was commenced.

(2)  If an action is defended, the Court is to list the first directions hearing at the Court closest to where –

(a) the defendant resides; or

(b) the cause of action arose.

(3)  If there is disagreement between the parties as to the registry in which the action is to proceed, the registrar is to decide the location of a directions hearing.