THE NATIVE LAND COURT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5567, 12 September 1889, Page 2

THE NATIVE LAND COURT.

JI'DCJE BARTON AND THE POLJTUTU BILL. [FROM Ol'R OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, last, night. I learn that there is a good deal of curiosity as to the position of Judge Barton in connection with thoPoututu Jurisdiction Bill. It is said that he drafted the original Bill, but the Bill being submitted to the law officers it was found to contain certain powers which should only exist in the Native Land Court, but Mr Barton has resigned, it is said, because his Bill was not accepted by the Government. lam informed that there was no intention on the part of the Government to interfere with him, and that had he not resigned, he would have all the jurisdiction given by the Bill in respect of the Poututu Block. His resignation, however, changes the whole aspect of the matter. The Government, I learn, never had any desire to interfere with him, except that it was necessary to sustain the authority of the Native Lands Court. What will be the immediate effect of MiBarton's resignation, it is difficult at present to say.