A FAMOUS CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1922, Page 1

A FAMOUS CASE.

ARAWA’S CLAIM 'RESPECTING LAKE BEDS. WELLINGTON, April 7

This week representatives of interest ed parties proceeded to Rotorua to settle some final details in connection with the famous lake beds dispute respecting which the Government and the Arawa Maoris have come to an agreement. UNIQUE IN LEGAL ANNALS.

The case dates back about thirteen years, and is considered to be unique in legal awards. Proceedings were initiated in 1909 when applications were made to the Native Land Court for an investigation of the title# of the land covered by the waters of bake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. Immediately, the Crown became involved and the Government resisted the application. A test action was decided on, and by 1912 the ease reached the Court of Appeal. The main question was to the right of the Maoris to go to the Native Land Court claiming a freehold title. The judgments of the members of the court were to the effect that if they could show a title by ancient Maori custom it was the duty of the court to clothe them in a title.

AMICAB LE SETTLEMENT. Preparations for the pending legal battle were about complete when the war broke out. The Maoris agreed to the cases standing over, and not till 1918 were they heard. Next the influenza epidemic intervened, and carried off Judge Wilson, who had presided at the hearing. Just when every thing was ready for a. resumption the Government (commenced negotiations for an amicable settlement, and at length (in 1920). Sir Francis Bell met the natives of Ohinemuri. The Arawa proposals, embracing a benefioient scheme propounded by the Hon. A. T. Nigata .were submitted by Mr F. Earl, K?C. Sir F. Bell noted that the natives were not unanimous, and advised them to deliberate further. Discussions continued until recently, when the natives intimated at a gathering at Tnrewa. that they had composed their differences. NO ROYAL COMMISSION.

At one of the final gatherings the natives were offered a Royal Commission to inquire into all their claims and grievances, including the lakes claim, or, in the alternative. Sir Fran cis Bell was willing to advise the Government to make provision for an annual payment to them from the civil list. The natives preferred an annual payment rather than have to suffer the delays and hear the costs that would be entailed if a. Commission were set up. 'Mesrs F. Earl, A. T. Nigata,, and A. Levin were appointed to come to Wellington and discuss the matter with members of the Crown and go into the question of the amount of the annual payment. This week, Messrs Ngata and Earl proceed ed to Rotorua to settle details as to the personnel of the board to administer the fund, the scope of the objects of the scheme, the machinery of administration, and other matters.