Opinion
May 11, 1967
Appeal from the Erie Special Term.
Present — Bastow, J.P., Goldman, Del Vecchio and Marsh, JJ.
Order unanimously reversed and motion denied, without costs. Memorandum: Plaintiff moved on March 24, 1966 to vacate the dismissal of his cause of action for failure to prosecute pursuant to CPLR 3404. The only explanation for the 22 months' delay in moving after the case was marked off the calendar was a change in clerical personnel in the office of plaintiff's counsel and resulting confusion in office administration. Such an explanation does not satisfy the requirements of reasonableness, and in view of inexcusable neglect demonstrated over an extended period of time the granting of plaintiff's motion by Special Term was an improvident exercise of discretion. (See Hamilton v. Dudley, 27 A.D.2d 701, and cases cited therein.)