Tetrick

Judgment was entered for defendant at the conclusion of a nonjury trial in which plaintiff sought to recover for real estate brokerage services.

Defendant owns certain real property in Ventura County, known as the Bar “S” Ranch. On March 17, 1955, the following writing was signed by the defendant:

“I Authorize P. D. Tetrick to negotiate a new lease with a Major Oil Company on my property, located in Ventura County, California, known as Bar ‘S’ Ranch, consisting of 2275 acres more or less. Oceanic Oil Company has now under lease the deep rights and if Oceanic Oil Company does not comply with its present agreement in full, then it is my desire that P. D. Tetrick is to proceed in negotiating a new deal. I am to retain 1/6 or 16⅔ land owners royalty also I am to receive ½ of any bonus paid in the consummating of this deal.”

Pursuant to this authorization, plaintiff contacted various oil companies, including The Texas Company. The trial court specifically found “That it is true that plaintiff discussed with major oil companies with regard to an oil lease on the defendant’s ‘Bar S Ranch’ property, and it is true that plaintiff contacted The Texas Company with regard to an oil and gas…