Applications for Hearing.

It has been objected that the power granted to any one Native of demanding a hearing of his claim to be interested in land has given rise to the following abuses: First, that unfounded claims have been put forward; and, second, that applications have been made by single individuals, and the case called on for hearing without the assent, or even the knowledge, of other persons or of hapus most concerned. It is important that every Native should have the privilege of individualizing his title to land, if he wishes it, and can do so without detriment to others; but to prevent these complaints application might be transmitted through the Magistrates of districts; and the Gazettes containing the notices, should be largely and promptly circulated. And if survey has to be made before a hearing, it is but in very rare instances that these objections can occur, as few persons will go to the expense of survey unless they consider their claim to be good, and surveyors cannot go on to the land without being seen.

That the Judges are very careful to reject doubtful claims is proved by the fact of their having dismissed 1,288 cases during the period that the Acts have been in operation. The Government should also have power to direct the Courts to suspend the hearing or decision of any particular cases. At present, if it is desirable to interfere, they must proclaim the Acts as suspended in a whole district, which is a clumsy and inconvenient arrangement.