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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3108, 3 February 1879, Page 2

A telegbam the other day stated that the Gorernor in Council had appointed Judge Johnston, under "The Thames Harbor Board Act, 1878," to ascertain the just claims of the Natnres under the Treaty of Waitangi, and the rights of others, however obtained, to any portions

of the foreshore, prior to handing the same over as an endowment to the Harbor Board. This matter has been delayed for some months, and it has prevented the completion of the grant to the Board, by winch they have been precluded from exercising the borrowing powers conferred upon them by the legislation of laßt session. The Judge hai a discretionary power in regard to the holding of his court, the Act stating that he shall Bit at such convenient times and places as he may appoint, and may adjourn from time to time. He may give judgments and make orders for all or any of the purposes following:— (1.) For defining the extent, terms, and conditions of such rights, claims, contracts, promises and engagements, and matters incidental thereto; (2.) For the completion of any contract, promise, or engagement, as aforesaid ; (3.) For directing how and by what instruments the rights, claims, promises and engagements so to be ascertained shall be given effect to and protected. . , The Judge is further empowered to make orders for costs, which he may either fix at the hearing or order to be taxed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court in the district in which the land is situate ; and the Harbor Board has to settle and pay all compensation which the Court may decide to be payable to aboriginal Natives or other persons on account o£ .rights or claims over the land to be granted to the Board.