THE APPEAL COURT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 130, 14 March 1930, Page 5

THE APPEAL COURT.

QUESTION OF JURISDICTION. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 13. The question whether or not the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to construe the will of a deceased native in so far as it relates to Native Land, was considered bv the Full Court this morning. Sir Michael Myers (Chief Justice), Mr Justice Herdman, Mr Justice Blair, Mr Justice Smith and Mr Justice Kennedv were on the Bench. The question arose in the case of Taare Waitara, late of Parihaka, deceased, whose estate consisted partly of Native land and partly of personal estate, and in respect of whose will an originating summons for interpretation had been filed in the Supreme Court. There being some doubt as to whether the case should be dealt with in the Supreme Court or in the "Native Land Court, their Honors decided that the question of jurisdiction be first argued, end if it be held that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction the case will De dealt with on its nieVits at a later date. Legal argument was heard on the print" of jurisdiction. Messrs H. Johnston and H. V. James are appearing for the trustee of the estate and Messrs E P Bunnv, P. B. Cooke, H. K. Evans and L. Wilson for the various beneficiaries. Judgment was reserved.