Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit February 25, 1987, No. 85-2149 (Hamilton v. Neptune Orient Lines, Ltd.)

KENNEDY, Circuit Judge:

Amos Hamilton appeals from the dismissal of his suit against Neptune Orient Lines and Interocean Steamship Corporation for want of prosecution. We conclude that although dismissal pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b) is an appropriate means of eñsuring the expeditious resolution of litigation, dismissal was improper in this case. We do so with some reluctance.