LAND COURT JUDGES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 422, 27 February 1890, Page 2

LAND COURT JUDGES.

AN OUTSIDE OPINION. (FROM OUR OWN CORBISrOItDKNT.) Auckland, last night. The Herald to-day, in a leading article, says :—The dispute between the Judges of the Native Land Court at Gisborne is very unfortunate, for the welfare of that fine district depends upon the settlement of titles to native lands. Without this there can be no certain tenure, and the progress of the district must be materially retarded. Judge Barton, according to the Gisborne papers, bas been peculiarly fortunate in gaining the respect of both colonists and Maoris. The testimony is unanimous, and the strongest regret is expressed at the prospect of his leaving the district, in which he has now been a considerable time at work as a Judge of the Native Land Court. The dispute between himself and Judge Wilson is being enquired into by the Government, and It would be premature and improper to express an opinion on its merits. Judge Barton objected to Judge Wilson asking questions in Maori, which he and the Asssessor understood, but which Judge Barton did not. He considered that the work should be done entirely through an authorised interpreter. This appears to have been the origin of tbe dispute. One thing is clear ; these two gentlemen cannot work together. Gisborne people are evidently of this opinion, and plainly express a hope that Judge Barton will be allowed to continue and finish the difficult work on which he has been engaged. He has impressed all parties with confidence in his care, impartiality, and ability as a Judge. No doubt this consideration will havq great weight with the Government if the inquiry ends, as seems to be ex-1 pected, in a recommendation that ent spheres of action should be providaM for them.