MAROKOPA TRACKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 111, 30 November 1908, Page 2

MAROKOPA TRACKS.

Considerable trouble has been caused in the Marokopa district in connection with old tracks through sections which have been disposed of by the Government to settlers. Some time ago the owners of the sections (Messrs Gregg and Rose) took action in the Magistrate's Court for trespass against two persons who had used the track and broken down the fences of the owners. Mr Cutten, S. M. ruled that he had no jurisdiction and dismissed the cases. The owners therefore, appealed to the Crown Lands Board, and considerable time was taken up by the Board on Thursday last investigating and discussing the position. Apparently the Board can give no satisfaction to the, owners, and it is stated the case will be taken to the Supreme Court. It is particularly unfortunate that the settlers should be placed in such a position. When the land was disposed of by the Government, no mention was made of the existsence of a track through the property, and it is not shown on the leases. As a matter of equity, and apart fi*om legal technicalities, the owners appear to have a perfectly claim to the whole of the land in their leases. If, in consequence of an oversight on the part of the Government, the owners have to keep the track open, and are put to expense and inconvenience thereby they are deserving of compensation. The fact that a Surpeme Court action is necessary to decide the position dpes not reflect credit upon the admirjifetra£ijon ? and it is to be hoped, in view of the whole .eircum.stan.ces, the Government will relieve ! the seftjers of the lesponsibijity, and ; make amends for the joss and inconvenience experienced ip cpnnet'tipn with the affair.