Long Land Court

Deliberations End

Aerodrome Compensation

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, Nov. 18.

FINAL judgment has at last been pro nounced on the claims for compen sation for the native lands used in the construction of the Rarotonga air strip. The case took two months.

The hearing was conducted by Chief Judge Harvey, of the Native Land Court, NZ. Mr. J. D. Brosnan, Public Works Department, NZ, represented the Crown, while Mr. F. Baxter, Auckland (for merly of Samoa), was counsel for the land-owners. The claimants were headed by Mr. W. P. Browne.

Messrs. W. J. Wigmore, J. H. Webb, M. Estall, R. V. Hosking, all long-estab lished planters, and Mr. M. MacAulay, the airport manager for the PWD, were Crown witnesses.

The total area utilised for the air strip and roads was 80 acres. Approach areas at each end of the runway, which had to be cleared of standing trees, were not dealt with, but compensation will eventually be paid on these areas while the owners will retain possession and be allowed to plant ground crops.

The claims presented by the owners were £5O per acre for land, £2/10/- for each coconut tree, and various small claims for other trees and crops. The Crown witnesses assessed the value of the land at £lO to £2O per acre and coconut trees at 6/9 to 10/-.

The Court finally awarded £3O per acre for the best land and £lO for the poorest.

For 80 per cent, of the coconut trees the award was £l/2/8 per tree, and 10/each for the remainder, which were

old trees. Total compensation paid amounted to £5,185.

The landowners, on the whole, were satisfied with the awards and at the con clusion of the case combined to give the visitors a typical “umukai” (feast) and a hearty send-off.

During his stay, Judge Harvey took the opportunity of studying the native land tenure in the Cook Islands and will make a report in NZ.

MR. AND MRS. Q. H. CRESSWELL, of Edie Creek and the Bainings, New Guinea, wish to extend their deepest sympathy to the relatives of so many friends and citizens who lost their lives so galantly that we might enjoy peace and freedom.**