Poverty Bay Standard. Published Every Evening. GISBORNE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1883.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1279, 20 February 1883, Page 2

Poverty Bay Standard. Published Every Evening. GISBORNE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1883.

To bo great a degree does the genuine prosperity of this district depend upon the speedy adjustment of our land disputes, and the subdivision of interests held in common by members of Native grantees as well as European purchasers, that it is with feelings of great satisfaction we hail the present sitting of the Native Land Court that began its session to-day, under the presidency of His Honor Judge O’Bbien. Our readers will remember in the late election contest for the representation of this district in Parliament, how vividly was pourtrayed to the minds of the electors the great drawback the East Coast experienced owing to the unworkmanlike nature of the Native Land Laws. Still worse was the position with regard to the best blocks of land in the Bay such as the well-known Makauri, Matawhero, and other blocks of a similar character. Bo far as the tenure was concerned to such an extent did the feeling of insecurity exist, that occupiers did not feel justified in improving the land, or to make it as productive as it should be, while the chances were that capital so laid out might be altogether lost, and an indefeasible title never obtained. Happily such a condition of affairs will, we are assured, be soon relegated to the region of the past. The enactment passed last session, gives ample power to the Native Land Court to Sartition the lands formerly held uner joint tenancy title. Over two years ago Judge Halsb, judicially speaking, assumed despotic power and irrespective of the fact whether or not he was justified in the eye of the law, made with rule and pencil subdivisions, a few of which were satisfactory, but the rest, notably the case of Hhuni Haebeone and others in Matawhero No. 1, remarkable for their entire disregard of justice, law, or common sense. As might be readily conceived such orders were appealed against, and the Native Lands Acts Amendment Act ef last year provides that in all such cases where opposition was made at the time of making such subdivisions, the Native Land Court may, Within six months after the passing of the Act, rehear the same on the application of any of the parties. The Court now sitting ia, therefore, held in conformity with the provisions of the Act passed about six months ago. Certain of the subdivisions made in the case of the Whataupoko Block, Makauri, Matawhero No. I, Matawhero 8., the oil spring block, and one or two others will come on for re-hearing during next week. Whether the Native Land Court will be able to finally dispose of the disputes at its present sitting or whether eventual reference to the Supreme Court will be necessary, is at present beyond our province to decide.

For this, at all events, we may be thankful that the legislation of last year has removed a great stumbling block that remained too long in the way of settling the existing land title disputes. We think it would be well for one and all, if a more christianlike spirit could be imported into the settlement of many or the disputes, where, as is often the case, there is a great deal of right on both sides. Looking at the matter from a purely impartial point of view it would be better for all parties concerned, and better for the peace and prosperity of the community, and its permanent welfare if some system of arbitration could be resorted to in order to bring to an end the interminable law suits looming in the distance. It really is a matter for constant regret to see capital frightened away from the place, as it too often has been.