Waiomatatini Notes.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 648, 18 August 1891, Page 2

Waiomatatini Notes.

(FROM OUB OWN COBRESPONDENTS.') August 10, The Native Land Court opened here on Thursday last, and only a few natives put in an appearance. On Friday some business was transacted, chiefly the hearing of surveyors’ claims for registration, and one sur veyor succeeded in obtaining orders for about £125 against some of the finest land in the district, if not in the province. On Saturday the hearing was continued, and further orders made. Today a great deal of business was got through, chiefly succession orders. Mr Dalton got a number passed, andParatane Ngataalso got several, the’Judge sitting until 20 minutes after 4 o’clock. Major Gudgeon as a Judge has already won the confidence of the claimants and counter-claimants, and a very large amount of work will no doubt be got through this week, Several blocks of land intended to be adjudicated on had to be placed at the bottom of the list to give the surveyors time to get through with the work. On the application of Mr Dalton a large block (the Raparapariritu) was placed last for hearing, owing to the surveyor not receiving the instructions from the Surveyor-General in time. Strange to eay, on making enquiries as to the cause of the delay, a remark was made that a person could go to England and baok before on answer from Wellington would be received here to a letter almost from any Department under Government. Some steps should be taken to remedy such delays, and in the interests of the whole community your name ous readers on the East Coast would regard it as a great favor if you advocate more punctuality in such matters. These delays tend to keep things at a standstill. Now that a chance occurs to settle many conflicting claims no exeuso should be taken.