HAWKE’S BAY EARTHQUAKE

Otago Witness, Issue 4032, 23 June 1931, Page 20

HAWKE’S BAY EARTHQUAKE

ADJUSTMENT COURT. NAPIER, June 19. The sittings of the Hawke’s Bay Adjustment Court, constituted under th? provisions of the special earthquake legislation, were commenced in Napier this morning before the Chief Justice (Mr Justice Myers), and associated witfi him were Messrs H. D. Vickery and C. von Haast. The desirability of an amicable settlement between the interested persons wa? emphasised by his Honor in his opening address. The court, he said, would be quite willing to hear any matter which the parties wished to bring before it? notice, but at the same time it was highly desirable that wherever possible the parties should settle their affairs out of court. His Honor also intimated that if he, himself, should be called away to attend sittings of the Court of Mt Justice Reed would preside over the sittings of the Adjustment Court. So far only 11 applications for hearing had beep filed with the registrar of the court, and his Honor hoped that the partie? would file their applications as early a? possible. The advantage of consulting solicitors was also mentioned by his Honor. The majority of the applications before the court are being heard in camera.