THE VALIDATION COURT AFFAIR.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8793, 14 May 1894, Page 3

THE VALIDATION COURT AFFAIR.

(press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, May 12. In the absence of the Premier, the Minister for Education states, with respect to Judge Barton's remarks at Gisborne, that the facts of the matter are that on Thursday, the last day before that on which the Validation Court was to open for business, a letter was received by the Department of Justice from Judge Barton objecting to one person holding tine dual post of Clerk and Interpreter, on the ground that it was not poesible for one man to do the work of both. He was asked why the Registrar could not take down the evidence and otherwise act as clerk. Late in the evening Judge Barton telegraphed that it was illegal for the Registrar to be Registrar of his Court and also Registrar of the Native Land Court. It would be illegal for him to act as clerk unless so appointed. As early as possible on Friday morning Judge Barton was informed by telegram that the law officers saw no reason why the Registrar should not act as clerk without any further appointment in that direction ; the acquiescence of the Judge in the Registrar so acting would be sufficient compliance with the rales;. that there was no legal objection to the Registrar of the Validation Court being also Registrar of the Native Land Court, m fact, this is actually provided for in the rule drafted by the Judge himself and made by the Governor. The Government also declined to agree to alter the rules so as to give the Judge power to remit fees, but promised to consider any recommendation for remission in any. particular , case. Without, however, waiting for the decision of the Government to be communicated to him Judge Barton adjourned the' Court till Monday, first declaring the appointment to be illegal. The Government considers .that it. has provided Judge Barton with an -ample staff and the legality of the , appointment is considered by the law officers to be 'undoubted. The Validation Court is con,'stituted for the benefit of persons who have -broken the law in regard to Native land 'purchases and the Government considers '.that every effort should be made to make io - self-supporting and prevent it becoming an additional burden on the taxpayer. The above memo, is signed by the Hon. W. P. Reeves.

■■■•■■■ May 13. The Gisborne correspondent of the Post wires that he has reliable authority for stating that the Hon. J aa. Carroll intends to resign his position in the Government unless the Government keep faith with Judge Barton in connection with the Validation Court. The Hon. Mr McKenzie states that so far the Government have not heard anything oh the matter. ' ■