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New Zealand Mail, Issue 662, 31 October 1884, Page 19

A recent report by the Native Affairs Committee discloses a state of things for which a remedy should be found as speedily as possible. The report shows that a large proportion of the time of the Committee is occupied in receiving statements in regard to claims for rehearing which have been refused by the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court. It is pointed out that the constitution of the Committee, and the fact that the quorum seldom consists of the same persons for even two days together, forbid the idea that any just decision upon the merits of applications for rehearing can be made. It seems that the Natives have some cause of complaint, because, it frequently happens that the Chief Judge. i 3 himself the person from whose decision they appeal. The report suggests that, “if possible, the attention of that officer should be more directed to determining appeals than hearing new cases, and thus he might be considered by the Natives ,as more likely to give an unbiassed opinion upon claims for rehearing.” The Government is asked to look into the subject of rehearings in the Native Laud Court, with a view to the introduction of legislation if it should appear to be necessary. It is evident that the Committee holds the opinion that it ought not to be called on to deal with the kind of work to which the report principally refers, but that there is a disinclination to say distinctly that the Natives should be debarred from bringing these applications before a tribunal, if such it can be called, which is totally unsuited to decide on them. But the Committee plainly admits its own unsuitability and gives good reasons for it. It is not its fault that it cannot do this kind of work efficiently ; but the fact is plain enough, and why should' it be expected to attempt what is clearly beyond its capacity ? If the Committee has. the power to refuse to hear these applications it should, by its own showing, do so. If it has not the power, the deficiency should be made good as soon as possible. But then comes the question whether the Natives ought to be placed in a better position than they at present occupy with regard to facilities for obtaining rehearings, and that is the point to which the Committee asks the Government to turn its attention. Legislation on the subject is scarcely to be hoped for this session.