CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume 1, Issue 27, 15 February 1873, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Our columns are open for free discussion; but we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents.] TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD. Sir, —Most of your readers are, no doubt, aware that applications liave been made for the issue of Crown Grants to certain portions of the Ceded block which have not yet been before the Commissioners. I have been reliably informed that Mr. Judge Bogan will, in all probability, sit here in the month of April. I therefore take the first opportunity of drawing the attention of the publie to the fact that pursuant to the terms of the Deed of Cession, all lauds within the defined boundaries must pass before two Commissioners being Judges of the Native Lands Court. This fact was brought to the notice of the General Government at the last sittings of the Lands Court here in November and December 1870, and it was pointed out that all proceedings of that Court, affectinglands within the Ceded block, were absolutely void, it being necessary to hold a Commission constituted as above-mentioned. All who have considered the matter are of the same opinion, and I believe the General Government admit the fact, such being the case all means ought to be taken to urge the Government to strictly pursue the provisions of the Deed of Cession in order that both owners and purchasers of land may obtain good titles. The Native Lands Court has no more jurisdiction in the matter than has the Resident Magistrate’s Court. —Yours, Ac., Whenua.