WARDEN'S COURT.

Golden Bay Argus, Volume VI, Issue 73, 21 October 1897, Page 4

WARDEN'S COURT.

(Before Wilson Heaps, Esq., Warden.) DREDGING CLAIMS. When the above applications for special claims (5) for dredging purposes came beiore the Warden last week, His Worship pointed out to Mr Fell, who appeared for the applicants, that according to the Gazette notice the proclamation of the Aorere River as a Sludge Channel did not take effect until the 28rd December next. It appeared to His Worship that the position was not altered since the applications were before the Court last time and refused, and he might say at the outset that he had made up his mind to refuse all the applications again, pending the expiration of the required time.

Mr Fell said there was no magic in the proclamation. There was nothing to prevent applicants from pegging off claims in the River and nothing to prevent the Warden from granting the claims; as a matter of lact the previous Warden had granted claims in the River and these weie actually worked, and there was no question whatever about the Sludge Channel. The previous Warden was only influenced in his later action in refusing the claims becau e there were many objections lodged by interested panics, which were now entirely removed. He contended that hi clients had done a legal acl in pegging off and applying and they should get the benefit of their labour and expense, even if the applications were adjourned until after the 23rd December.

His Worship said he could not see that the position had altered, and ho must even for the sake of consistency refuse the applications. He also considered it was right that notice should be given, so that everybody should get an equal start for application. After considerable argument between counsel and the Warden, the whole of the applications were adjourned till next Court, His Worship intimating that he held out no hope that he would then grant them.