IMPORTANT NATIVE LAND CASE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 992, 6 March 1891, Page 17

IMPORTANT NATIVE LAND CASE.

(pee, press association, j Gisborne, March 4. During the last three days Judge Connolly has been engaged taking evidence in a case of vital importance in connection with Native matters in this district, viz., Kopiba Tamararo and others v. New Zealand Native Laud Settlement Company. Tho claim for cancellation of a deed of evidence will be by arrangement submitted by the Jucigo to the Appeal Court for its decision. Mr Theo, Cooper, with him Mr Fion, appeared for the plaintiff, and Messrs De Lautour and Chrisp for tho defendants. Tho tacts were that the Company, in ISS2, took over from the Natives the Paromata (the subject of this action) and several other blocks, the consideration money being £9OOO. Twohuudred pounds was paid in cash and the balance by cheques, which wore at onoe debited against the scrip the Natives received, which scrip had since proved valueless, owing to the failure of the Company through land law restrictions. The plaiutiffs allege that some of the Natives were unaware of the nature of the transaction, and did not give their consent to such sale ; whilst the evidence for the defence goes to show that numerous meetings were held, at which matters were fully discussed by all the owners. There were 104 owners in the block, and a committee of 19 was appointed by tho owners to represent them in all negotiations, the committee receiving the purchase money and the scrip. Evidence was given that the Court records do not show that tho subdivision of the land for the purpose of tho sale was not in compliance with the Frauds Prevention Act ; that there were any formal applications, notices, or gazettes issued, or posted. The defendant’s witnesses say that such was the case. The plaintiffs also allege that the execution deed was irregular ; that insufficient enquiry was made by Judge Brookfield in making the sub-division as Trust Commissioner ; whilst evidenoe for the defence was tendered to rebut that. It was stated that the European share* holders of the company lost £BO,OOO.