MAORI FISHING CASES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2178, 21 March 1891, Page 2

MAORI FISHING CASES.

Ohbibtohuboh, March 20. Mr Greenfield, E.M., delivered judgment in the cases brought by the Acclimatisation Society against two natives taking trout contrary to the fishing regulations in the Waimakarm at Kaiapoi. The Magistrate held that the charges ware proved,and on the legal points raised held that there was nothing in the Fisheries Act limiting the right of laying information by the officers appointed by the Collector of Cusloms.'or preventing a police officer or other person laying an information against persons committing a breach of the law, which was an offence against the public. He was of opinion that the regulations gazetted met the requirements of Interpretation Act 1888, Section 17. He waa also of opinion that the claim of right of the Natives under the Treaty of Waitangi and Major Kemp’s deed to all rivers and fisheries within the area sold and conveyed by that deed was a mere pretence and not bona fide, as the natives must have known that they had no legal claim under the treaty and that all fishery rights reserved by deed under the phrase imh nga kai were extinguished by the Native Land Court. A fine of £l. end costs in each case w as inflicted. On the application of counsel for the the fines were increased to £5 5s each, :m order to give opportunity to appeal. Another case against a native for a similar breach of the regulations is to be taken.