“MOKAU”’ JONES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 38, 8 October 1912, Page 6

“MOKAU”’ JONES.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, October 8. The Joint Committee representing both House of Parliament appointed to enquire into the petition of Mr. Joshua Jones met to-day. The order of reference requires the Comittee to enquire whether the petitioner has suffered any loss of any right conferred upon hiin by statute or under the provisions of any deeds of lease by reason of any amendment of the statute law of New Zealand, or of any matter or tiring done or omitted by the Government of New Zealand. 'This, of course, refers to Moknu land. A letter was read from Mr. Jones, renewing his application to be represented by counsel at the State’s expense. The Committee decided that no further recommendation he made to the House. Mr. Jones said in that case ho would have to do the best lie corikl, but it would be a poor job. The case was a very complicated one. Petitipnor, in a written statement, set out his case, in which included a request for a special Act of Parliament, empowering a trial of action upon the grounds that tire Itng--1 isir Court, with a full knowledge of the law, made an order for trial to be hoard on its merits, but doubted jurisdiction being in England, and the New Zealand Court on the same grounds threw the case out on its merits; also that the Go comment arrange to take over the property and then arrange to compensate petitioner either in land and minerals, as had been agreed upon in 1910, or in money value. Other circumstances were also set out.