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Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1926, Page 2

Rki’ukSkntativks of the Sawmillcrs, and local bodies of the Grey, Innngahufi, Westland, TRillor, and Murchison Counties met at Greyinoutll this week to consider the position arising from tho recent, judgment of (ho Supreme Court which, bad the effect of invalidating all sawmill licenses issued by the Warden since the year 1909. The meeting was not open to the press, hut at its conclusion, the Chairman, Mr D. Tennent, stated that it had been decided to send the following tclegrim to the Prime Minister and also the Ministers of Lauds aiul -Mines:—“A large meeting Of sawmillers in the Wcsthuld, .Builor, and Jnnngnhiiu districts was held here to consider tho effect of the judgment delivered in the Full Court last week in the case of Ilex v. Carter. The judgment incidentally invalidates alt timber cutting licenses granted by the Wardens in this district for the past twenty-five years. Bolia fide believing that, the titles granted them by tho Wardens, as representatives of the Crown, were good, the millers have invested capital amounting to not less than £500,000 upon tho areas comprised in these titles, and have, in addition to royalties on timber cut, paid annual rentals at-tho rate of Is per acre', approximately £3,500. Ninety-five per cent of the millers operating in the districts mentioned are working under the above titles. Tbe local bodies receiving revenue from these areas are also seriously affected, and this further affects tho millers as large ratepayers.” The meeting also passed the following resoution ; That rephesentat ion bo made to tbe I*rime Minister, and the Ministers of Mines and Lands, with a view to obtaining the validation of sawmill licenses and certificates of reservations granted by the Warden under the Mining Act, a.s representative of the Minos and Lands Department, and that having regard to the magnitude of the interests involved, the Ministers concerned l>e asked meet the sawmillers and licensees ,uiul representatives of the Grey, Inangahua. Buller, Westland, and Murchison County Councils at Greyinoutll as soon ns possible.

The matter above referred' to will have a. very serious effect on the revenue of local bodies on tho Coast, where tliore are many areas granted under the Warden’s jurisdiction. The suggested conference would be useful in.focussing action, and it will be lemembered that Mr Chesterman in bis validietory report to the Westland County Council this week, suggested similar action. Assuming that the lew expounded in the decision i.s sound some remedial legislation will be necessary to quality tbe present situation. Tt was never intended or even eontemplaod away back at the time stipulated that any such restriction should lie placed on the Warden’s decisions. The action by the several Wardens over a quarter of a century have, been identical, indicating the common view taken of the legal position all through the period referred to. To enforce such a law as now proposed would lie unequitable to put it very mildly. It would in fact not he honest to go behind the acts of the Crown’s officers extending over so long a term. The matter requires to be brought out fully and explained to the Government when we feel sure any remedial legislation to legalise a position believed to be in error will be made. It would be tbe shortest cut to reach common justice to those chiefly concerned, the millers and local bodies.

At tbe complimentary social to Mr Seddon this week, one noticed that the was in power at this juncture a party strong enough to enforce law and order, and maintain the constitutional prestige of tbe King and country. The remarks were very apropos in regard to the situation at Home where labour forces are defying the constitutional powers. In that respect it is noticeable that the New Zealand Labour Party lias despatched a cablegram to the British Trade Union Congress indicating that the Labour Party here solidly supports the present struggle and expresses best- wishes for victory. In these circumstances those in the Westland electorate who believe in loyalty To the country and its constitution should feel gratified that the constituency is represented by a gentleman like Air Seddon whose loyalty hag been

proved beyond doubt in the melting pot of the Great War where he gave such distinguished service. It was veiy pleasing also to hear the tribute of Mr G. Forbes, who as Liberal Whip had in intimate knowledge of Mr Seddon’s services to the country and tho constituency. Wo repeat that it is extremely gratifying to have Mr Seddoii where lie is to-day, and that through its representative West-land is not associated in any way with the message sent by the Labour Party of New Zealand.