CROWN HAS NO RIGHT TO LAKE BEDS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 June 1929, Page 3

CROWN HAS NO RIGHT TO LAKE BEDS.

DISPOSAL MATTER OF TRIBAL RIGHT APPEAL TO BE HEARD. AUCKLAND. Lust Night. The ownership of Lake Omapere, near Kaiknhc. which has been in dispute, between sub tribes of the Ngapuhi tribe and the Crown, was definitely awarded to the Maoris in a'decision by Judge F. 0, \ 7 . Acheson in the Native Land Court to-day. Judge Aelieson said the bed of the hike did not belong, nor had it ever belonged to the Crown. No portion of the lake had been ceded Jo the Crown bv treaty and it was indisputable that tiie bed of the lake and its fringe to the level of the waters before the recent draining was carried out was native “customary” laud, owned by the Uriohna and other sub-tribes. In view of litis, any orders issued affecting the area would have to be amended, ns they had been made by mistake. In addition, it was held that the Crown in New Zealand had no right whatever to any lake beds. Important issues arc involved in the decision, for similar claims have been put forward by natives in respect of Lakes Rotorua, Taupo and Waikarcmoami. The Crown has purchased areas of land around Lake Omapore and there was a proposal that the lake should be exploited for hydro-electric purposes. The decision of the court will have an important bearing on these sales, as it was held that -the disposal of tribal land wns a tribal right and could not be exercised by individuals. The Court deferred the Ixing' of further details of ownership, pending the question of appeal.