NATIVE LAND COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1721, 11 April 1906, Page 2

NATIVE LAND COURT.

JUDGE JONES IN THE NORTH

'(Special to Gisborne Times.) Auckland, last n'gbt. His Honor Judge Jones returns to Auckland this evening from Russe'l. Information bat been received of the conclusion of the sitting of the Laud Court held at Russell before Judge Jones and Rawiri Karaha (assessor), with Mr Goffe as clerk and interpreter. The prinoipal matter the Court had to deal with was the investigation of title to the Motatau 1,3, and 4 block, containing about 27,000 aores of fair laud. For a long time this was known as tbo Rohepotae, beoause some years ago the chiefs met and deoided that they would not allow any Court to deal with it. Since then they have made ineffectual attempts to settle the matter by their block committees, but these decisions did not satisfy the people. It is, however, a significant fact that in two of the cases the Court was able to bring the parties together to settlo their own matters on a fair and what is believed to be a lasting basis.

Already the Natives are approaching the Native Minietsr, through their member, to have the surplus land in each block utilised for settlement purposes, but there are necessary delays for surveys aDd other purposes before that oan be done.

The Court has adj-urned to Auokland to settle some minor confirmation matters, and the Judge and offioers will return to Gisborne on Saturday or Tuesday next,