LAW REPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 857, 1 July 1910, Page 11

LAW REPORTS.

CHURCH LANDS. UTILITY LESSENED BY DRIFT OF POPULATION. A matter affecting the Soiunn Catholic community of Napier came up yesterday, beforo tho Chief .Tustieo (Sir Robert Stout) at a Chambers sitting of the Supremo Court.

It was explained that a section of land which had been used for Church purposes was mm- found to be unsuitably situated. The trend of population was towards the port, and tho Church authorities had decided to erect a placo or worship and a school in that part. For this purpose land had been acquired, nut! it was desired to dispose of tho section no longer required. Power to sell the section could bo obtained only by special Act of Parliament, and tho Church authorities, wishing to introduce a Bill during this session of Parliament, brought the matter before the Supreme Court for a certificate to tho effect that the needs of the case were such as to warrant the introduction of tbe Bill.

Mr. ,J. J. Devine appeared in support of tho application for a certificate, and Mr. T. Neave represented the Crown.

After hearing the evidence of the Rev. father Goggan, of Napier, and the Rev. Father Le Pretre, of Wairoa, his Honour intimated that he would give the necessary certificate if lie were furnished with a statement by the District Land Registrar at Napier to the effect that the land proposed to be sold was free from encumbrances.