MAORIS AND FISH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 149, 30 July 1914, Page 11

MAORIS AND FISH.

THE TREATY OF WAITANGI. AN INTERESTING POINT. Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 30. ■ The Full Court, hi the case of Waipapakura v. Hempton, decided an interesting question as to the rights of Maoris to fisli in tidal waters. The, Court held that even if the Treaty of Waitangi intended to give unrestricted right to fish in the sea or in tidal waters to the Maoris, there being no statute giving such a. right, the Court could not recognise it, and the Maoris were therefore bound by the provisions of the Fisheries Act of 1908, and the regulations inade thereunder. The carfe was heard in the Magistrate's Court and was for a return of nets seized by the Customs officers. The Magistrate held he could not enquire as to whether the present appellant, a Maori, had unrestricted right to fish, and nonsuited the appellant, j The Court upheld the nonsuit, but held | that the reason given by the Magistrate j was wrong, upholding the nonsuit on the ground that the Maori was subject to the Fisheries Act, 1908. By arrangement the Crown pays the costs of appeal.