NATIVE LAND TITLES.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 86, 12 April 1894, Page 2

NA TIVE LA ND TI TLES.

AN INCOMPLETE TRIBUNAL. 'BT TILIQRAPH.j I ONITXB P3CBB ASSOCIATION. J Gisbobns, 11th April. This morning Judge Barton, who was appointed Judge nnder the Validation of Titles Act of lost eossion, sat to hear an application for tho refund of fees paid to Mr. Edwards, Commissioner. His Hononr said be regretted that be was unable to hear any application, as no part of the Conrt existed yet except the Judge. Although he had made repeated requests, no olerk, inter, preter, or assessor bad been appointed. There were no Court books, and he even had to engage the hall to-day on bis own responsibility. It was pointed out that there were a large number of properties in the district whose titles were awaiting validation, and that the failure of the Government to constitute the Conrt meant the loss of over twelve months' time to settlors, for it was now almost too late to have the decrees made by the Court and presented to Parliament at next session. Strong repreeeD tat ions are to be made to Mr. Seddon on the subject. The Native Land Court work has been suspended throughout the district owing to there being no Chief Jndge to constitute a Conrt. This grievance will also be laid before Mr. Seddon by the Law Society and a deputation of residents.