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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13116427 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1975955 IN THE COURT O}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 F}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947647  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 APPEAL OF THE COOK ISLANDS}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 HELD AT AUCKLAND
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\par of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid348074\charrsid9993021 the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  land known as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Kiri Part Section 88E Arorangi.
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 AND
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021 IN THE MATTER
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 of an appeal against a decision of the High Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 dated 13 September 1996.
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 NORRAINE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 (}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021 NO'}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 O}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 )}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  HEATH}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021 ER
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 Arorangi, Businesswoman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 Appellant
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 AND
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 HARIKISUN BROTHERS LIMITED}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021  &}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12611142\charrsid9993021  OTHERS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 of Rarotonga Merchants.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4612196 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 Coram: Sir Maurice Casey (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid348074\charrsid9993021 Presiding)
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4612196\charrsid9993021 
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\par McHugh J
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 12 November 1997 at the High Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13116427\charrsid9993021 
,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  Auckland
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 Counsel: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13116427\charrsid9993021 Mr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  M C Mitchell for the Appellant

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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13116427\charrsid9993021 Mrs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  T P Browne for the Respondents
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9994023 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 JUDGMENT OF COURT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 Delivered by McHugh J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 Solicitors}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 :}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9994023\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 For the Appellant: Stevenson Nelson and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13116427\charrsid9993021 Mitchell}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051485\charrsid9993021 , Rarotonga
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\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 1. INTRODUCTION
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6383588\charrsid9993021 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
There is a lengthy record of proceedings filed. References to pages of this record will be abbreviated and shown herein in brackets e.g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  (R110). The Cook Islands Act 1915 will also be referr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13116427\charrsid9993021 ed to herein as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6383588\charrsid9993021 the 1915 Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13116427\charrsid9993021 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6383588\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 1.2 Background
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6383588\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The appellant and her de facto husband operated a store in Arorangi and traded as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Raro Supersave}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and also as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Pomani Noo Tangata}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
. The appellant and her husband formed a Company for trading purposes but it is claimed by the respondents that the appellant did not disclose or hold out the existence of the Company to her trade creditors (R59). The store was located on land owned by th
e ap}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 pellant, being an area of 2135m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 and being Part Kiri Section 88E Block, Arorangi (hereinafter called }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 the said land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 ). The business failed and the appe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 
llant became indebted in the sum of $10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 5,774.93 plus interest the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021 reon to four firms for goods and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  services supplied. The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6383588\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
four creditors, who are t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6383588\charrsid9993021 he respondents in these }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021 proceedings}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 , are Turners and Growers Fresh Limited; Harikisun Brothers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  Limited; Meat}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 eo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
Limited and Tiaki Wuatai. The respondents eac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021 h obtained judgment in the High}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  Court at Rarotonga again
st the appellant and then applied to t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 he High Court under s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 49 of the J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 udicature Act 1980-81}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 and Rules 247-251 of the Code of Civil Procedure 1981 for a charging order and order for sale of the said land. The application was successful and the orders sough
t were granted by the Court (Justice Dillon) on 13 September 1996 (R36-39).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 This appeal emanates from that decision.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 1.3 History of Land
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109329\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
On 20 February 1906, following an investigation of title, the land known as Kiri Section 88E, Arorangi District}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 com
prising an area of 363 ars (9 acres 1 rood 2 perches) was vested in two native persons, Tavita Isaia and Willie Isaia. The land was leased to the Seventh Day Adventists Mission for 99 years from 1.1.1910 at a nominal rent. In 1916 an area of 2 acres was e
xcluded from the lease and gifted to the Crown. The title register (R100) shows that on 26 April 1937 and 2 February 1943}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 succession orders}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
issued vesting the respective interests of Willie and Davida Isaia, then deceased, in their successors. Further succession}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13662753\charrsid9993021 s followed in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  1946 and 1951 (R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 101).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 On 28 February 1952 the whole block was taken by the Crown under s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9063101\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 357 of the 1915 Act for a public
 works site (R106). The lease to the Seventh Day Adventist Church was cancelled. On 22 April 1952 the High Court awarded compensation of \'a31034.14s.6d for the land taken (R102) and determined the relative interests of the then 21 beneficial owners.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The next important dealing took place on 3 May 1985 when by Deed of Transfer (R108}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9063101\charrsid9993021 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 the Cook Islands Government Property Corporation, following a Cabinet Minute, transferred the said land, comprising 2135m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 , to the appellant for the sum of one dollar. The deed re
cited that the appellant had paid in rental a sum more than the improved value of the said property. The title register (R100-105) does not disclose the existence of a lease to the appellant but presumably she was occupying the said land and the token pay
ment of $1 allowed for rent paid by her to the Crown Corporation.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9178210 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
It should be noted here that the title register discloses that, notwithstanding Crown ownership of Section 88E and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1524190\charrsid9993021  the transfer of the said land t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 o the appellant, succession orders continued to be made in 1980, 1988, 19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 90 and 1993 (R102-105). Although}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  no order determining relative interests has}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  been made since 1952 when the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  land was taken, a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 calculation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 made from the title r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 ecords reveals that as at 22 Fe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 bruary 1993}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1524190\charrsid9993021  there were some}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  125 beneficial owners in Section 88E of whom the appellant was one.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 2. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 SYNOPSIS OF APPEAL
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We shall examine shortly and in more detail the various grounds of appeal and the answer of the respondents thereto but it is conv
enient at this point to state the main issue to be addressed in this appeal. It relates to the validity or otherwise of the charging order made by the lower Court on 13 September 1996.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The Court decided that the said land was European land and therefore a
vailable for a charging order and order of sale to be imposed. The principal question to be answered in this appeal is whether the lower Court was correct in deciding the said land was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 
"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and not }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . It is therefore a question of determining the land status or category of the said land.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The status issue is important because of the wording of s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15881988\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 49 of the Judicature Act 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1524190\charrsid9993021 980-81 and s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15881988\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1524190\charrsid9993021 491 of the 1915 Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  which govern exercise of the Court's jurisdiction to make charging orders and orde
rs for sale against land for payment of debts.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Section 49/1980-81 provides:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15881988 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15881988 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 (1) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Any judgment of the High Court in its civil jurisdiction for the payment of any sum of money may be enforced by a charging order made by the Court against any r
eal or personal property of the person by whom the money is payable (including debts and other money due or accruing due to that person, }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
but not including the interest of a Cook Islander in an}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15881988\charrsid9993021 y}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  native }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15881988\charrsid9993021 land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1524190\charrsid9993021 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15881988\charrsid9993021 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Any such charging order shall be ma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
de and have effect in a manner }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 provided by rules of Court.}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15881988 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 (2) In this section the term }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Cook Islander}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 means a person belonging to the part of the Polynesian race indigenous to the Cook Islands; and includes any person }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 descended from a Cook Islander.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  (Emphasis added)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Section 491/1915 states:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7878682 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 (1) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 No interest of any person in customary land, and }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 no interest of a Native or descendant of a Native}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  in Native land, shall be capable of being taken in execution or otherwise }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021 render}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021 ed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 available}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  by any form of judicial process for the payment of his debts or liabilities, whether in favour of Her Majesty or in favour of any other person.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7878682 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 (2) Nothing in this section shall affect the operation of any charge to which Native land is subject.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  (Emphasis added).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4864831 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native land would therefore appear to be un}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 available for the imposition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
charging orders for debts or money due nor available to be taken in execution by judicial process. It is important to note that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021  s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021 49 of the Judicature Act 1980-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
81 excludes or protects from charging order any interests held by a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Cook Islander}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  who is defined in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 49(2) as a person of Polynesian blood or descent }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 indigenous to the Cook Islands}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . However, the definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 of the 1915 Act and as used in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
491 of that Act goes beyond the Cook Islands to embrace }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Maoris and persons of }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 any}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  Polynesian race}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7878682\charrsid9993021 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 In the present proceedings the appellant claims the said land was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 and the respondents argue the land was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 At this point we need to look at the statutory definitions of the various classes or categories of land and persons and also amending legislation relating to those definitions.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 3. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 DEFINITION OF TERMS AND STATUTORY AMENDMENTS
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7878682 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 3.1 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Definitions
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7878682 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Section 2 of the 1915 Act provides the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4864831\charrsid9993021 following relevant definitions:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 Crown land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  means any land which has not been alienated from the Crown for a subsisting estate in fee simple }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 other than Native land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  (emphasis added).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Customar}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 y}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  means land which, being vested in the Crown, is held by Natives or the descendants of natives under the Native customs and usages of the Cook Islands.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 Europ}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 ean}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 means any person whatever, other than a Native, and includes a body corporate.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 Europea}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 n land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  means any l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3866992\charrsid9993021 and which has been alienated fr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
m the Crown for a subsisting estate in the fee simple }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 other than Native land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  (emphasis added).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 means a person belonging to any of the Polynesian races (including the Maori race) and includes a half-caste and a person intermediate in blood between a half-caste and a person of pure descent from any such race.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  means customary land or Native freehold land, as herein defined.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  means land which is owned by a Native or a
 descendant of a Native for a beneficial estate in fee simple, whether legal or equitable.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Whilst setting out these statutory definitions, we should also refer to the definition of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  as it appeared in the 1915 Act prior to its amendment in 1950 to the present definition set out}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
 above. The original definition}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  read as follows:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  means}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021  land which, or an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 y undivided share in which, is owned by a Native for a beneficial estate in fee simple, whether legal or equitable. Provided that}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3866992\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
European land shall not be deemed to become or to have become Native land, but shall continue to be European land, although it, or an undivided share therein, becomes or has become (whether before or after the commencement }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12857621\charrsid9993021 of this Act) vested in any mann}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 er in a Native for an estate in fee simple.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11955620 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
(b) Crown land the fee simple whereof is or has been, whether before or after the commencement of this Act purchased from the Crown by a Native for a pecuniary consideration shall 
be deemed to be, and at all times thereafter to remain, European land and not Native land.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6042051 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Section 11 of the Cook Islands Amendment Act 1950 No 92 (hereinafter called }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 the 1950 Amendment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 ) inserted the words }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
or a descendant of a Native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  after the words }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 
"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 owned by a Native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
. This of course widened the class of Native person from the narrower class of a person between pure and half-caste blood.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The amendment also repealed the proviso to the original definition. We shall shortly refer to the relevance of this}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12857621\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3225474\charrsid9993021 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 950 Amendment in the present appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 There is one further statutory amendment to the 1915 Act namely the Cook Islands Amendment Act 1995-96, hereinafter called }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 the 1995-96 Amendment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 , which was legislated on 17 December 1996 and which, although enacted subsequent t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6041660\charrsid9993021 o the date of Crown transfer viz}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9062487 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  13 September 1996 was referred to by both counsel and to which we shall also later advert. The amendment inserts a new s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5917641\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 358A into the 1915 Act as follows:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6042051 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 358A}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Transfer of Crown land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 - Every transfer of Crown land for an estate in fee simple, after the commencement of this Act shall, on the date that the fee simple shall have vested or will vest in the transferee, be deemed to be Native freehold land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par We should perhaps comm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6041660\charrsid9993021 ent that }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 prior}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 to the 1950 Amendment Crown land sold to a Native was deemed to be and to remain European land. The 1995/96 Amendment also seems to make it clear as to the status of Crown land transferred to any person }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 after}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  19 December 1996. However, in this appeal we are concerned to ascertain the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 status of the said land in the period betwe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
en 1950 and 19 December 1996, i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 n particular on the 13 September 1996 when the lower Court exercised jurisdiction.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We shall now turn to counsels' submissions.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 4. SUB}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 MISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE APPELLANT}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The appellant presented two grounds of appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6042051\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 1. That the lower Court erred in holding that the said land was }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and the orders made were therefore invalid and unenforceable.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
2. That alternatively the sale by the Crown to the appellant was invalid in which case all subsequent dealings were invalid and unenforceable.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5517451 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 As to the first ground, counsel for the appellant submitted that the Act should be in
terpreted in a historical perspective taking into account the 1950 Amendment which widened the definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  to include }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 a descendant of a Native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 thus qualifying the appellant. And further that the 1950}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021  Amendment in repealing the prov}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 iso clause i
n the definitio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 n of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021  en}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
ded the need for any continuing use of the term }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . Counsel argued that the said land and the appellant's status as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 a descendant of a Native brought}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  both the said land and the appellant within the definition of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and thus entitled to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6041660\charrsid9993021 exempting clause in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5917641\charrsid9993021 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6041660\charrsid9993021 49 of the J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 udicature Act 1980-81 and s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5917641\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 491 of the said Act. Counsel submitted that the 1995-96 Amendment was declaratory of the existing state of affairs namely, that in cas
es where the Crown took Native freehold land for a public}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
purpose and subsequently disposed of part of it to a descendant of a Native, the status of the land did not change and remained Native freehold land.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 As an alternative ground, Counsel submitted tha
t the whole of Part X of the Act, which relates to Crown land and the taking of land for public purposes, precluded the disposal of the fee simple of land by using a deed of transfer procedure. Counsel submitted that the action of the Crown, in transferri
n
g portion of the land taken to one owner, established a preferential system which denied rights to other beneficial owners and members of the wider family. Counsel stressed that the action of the Crown subverted the whole purpose of the said Act and that 
the proper procedure for dealing with land surplus to public requirements was to enact legislation.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 5. SUBMISSIONS OF RESPONDENTS
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Counsel for the respondents raised as a preliminary point that the charging order made by the Court on 13 September 1996 was 
made by consent and an Appeal Court should be slow to overturn a consent order. In addressing the appellant's contention that the said land was Native freehold land, counsel advanced several points in support of the respondents' argument that the land was
 not Native freehold land but European land. These points were as follows:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 Fir}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 stly}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 : the status of the land prior to acquisition was irrelevant and compulsory acquisition by the Crown, by virtue of s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10122745\charrsid9993021 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 357 of the 1915 Act, vested the said land in the Crown free from any rights or interest that the former owners might have had. The land upon acquisition became Crown land.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Secondly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
: the status of the land did not depend upon the status of the transferee. Counsel submitted that the legislature never intended that the status of the land should depend upon the transferee's status and referred to s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10058648\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 444 of the 1915 Act as reinforcing the interpretation that status or ethnic origins of the transferee were irrele
vant.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 Thirdly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
: The said land upon transfer ceased to be Crown land. It was not in any sense customary land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 If it was originally Nativ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 e freehold land, it lost that status upon acquisition by the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  Crown and as}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021  it was neither }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 Crown land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021  nor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 , the land must be }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
. As an additional argument, counsel submitted that the vesting of the land after acquisition in the Cook Islands Government Property Corporation, constituted the land as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  at that point. The subsequen
t transfer to the appellant was therefore of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . It therefore had the status of European land after transfer.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9062487 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 Fourthly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021  The 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
995-96 Amendment was not retrospective. Counsel gave references to Hansard debate and submitted this showed the legis
lation was not intended to be retrospective. Counsel said it could be interpreted as indicating the legislature had enacted the amendment to correct an omission in the 1915 Act rather than as declaratory of the existing law.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Counsel for the respondents st
rongly rejected the second and alternative ground of the appellant that the transfer of the said land to the appellant was invalid and argued that the clear unequivocal words of s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14242425\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 357 of the 1915 Act, together with the provisions of the Cook Islands Government Property Corporation Act 1969, gave the corporation wide}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 power to sell, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 
transfer, or dispose of property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . Counsel further submitted that the procedures for disposal as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 set out in s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11087439\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 of the 1969 Act had been followed. Counsel asserted it was not open to the appellant to attack the validity of the transfer to her nor did the Courts have power to review an executive decision.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 6}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 REVIEW OF GROUNDS AND SUBMISSIONS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5517451\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Before considering the
 main issue as to the status of the said land, there are two matters raised by counsel for the respondents which need attention. These relate firstly to the assertion that the charging order, which is now under attack by the appellant, was made with the c
onsent of the appellant and should not now be disturbed. Secondly, that there was no evidence the appellant was a native within the statutory definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Counsel for the appellant did not address the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 consent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  issue during this appeal but the m
atter was raised in earlie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 r proceedings before the Chief J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
ustice when a rehearing and stay of proceedings were sought. Although the record of proceedings f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11087439\charrsid9993021 iled on appeal does not contain}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  a transcript of proceedings before the lower Court when the charging order issued the submissions subsequently filed by counsel for the appellant (R50-54) and c}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11087439\charrsid9993021 ounsel for the respondent (R57-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
2) on the rehearing application are sufficient for this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 consent}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  issue to be resolved.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We are satisfied that the appellant did not have proper legal representation or advice on the issue of whether the said land was }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . The Solicitor-General was appointed by the Court to assist the Court on the status i
ssue as amicus curiae but the appellant appeared in person without her own counsel and did not address the Court on this relevant and important question. Further, the submission made on behalf of the present respondents indicates that the appellant's cons
ent was conditional upon a guaranteed min}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 imum price being fixed for the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 sale of the said land - a condition the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2651157\charrsid9993021  respondents would not agree }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9993021\charrsid9993021 to (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 R60)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2651157\charrsid9993021 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 As was fairly and properly put to us by counsel for the respondents, the Court can set aside a consent order if justice so requires. We consider there are sufficient grounds to do so and find that the qualified consent given by the appellant was not suff
icient of itself to bind the appellant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The second question as to whether the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 appellant was a }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  with}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  statutory definition of that te}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 rm needs only brief attention. The title register for Kiri Section 88E (R102) shows that the appellant su}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4215659\charrsid9993021 cceeded 
her father on 25 May 1987 and reference b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 ack through earlier successions trace her genealogy to Willie Isaia who was one of the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
two original owners. The appellant is a descendant of a native for the purposes of these proceedings. It is also noted that the respondents have also acknowledged the appellant falls within the statutory }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 definition. (R96 and R98) We fin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
d that the appellant comes within the statutory requirement, being a descendant of a native.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We turn now to the principal issue of status and the question of whether the said land was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  or }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  land on 13 September 1996.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 There is no disagreement between the parties that the freehold order made on 20 February 1906 following investigation of title changed the status of Kiri 
Section 88E from customary land vested in the Crown to Native freehold land. Section 424 of the said Act spells out that change in status and also records that the persons named in the order held }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 the land for a legal }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 estate in fee simple in possession.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 As
 we have seen (supra) (para 1.3) section 88E was taken by the Crown by warrant on 28 February 1952 for public works. Section 357 of the 1915 Act provides that the land thereupon becomes absolutely vested in the Crown free from all estates, rights and inte
rests of any other person. Pursuant to s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13971644\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
5 of the Cook Islands Government Property Corporation Act 1969, the said land became vested by operation of law }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 in the Property Corporation without}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  any formal transfer from Her Majesty. Section 8 of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13971644\charrsid9993021 t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 he same Act declares the Corporation to be an instrument of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 Executive Government and a Gover}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 nment department within }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 the meaning of the Crown Proce}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 edings Act 1950.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 The respondents claimed that Section 88 became Crown land upon acquisition by the Crown and remained Cro
wn land consequent upon its transfer to the Property Corporation. As an alternative argument the respondents have also asserted that perhaps Section 88 upon being transferred to the Government Property Corporation became European land at that point and re
t
ained that status when later a portion of the land was transferred to the appellant. This submission that the said land became European land upon transfer to the Property Corporation would seem to run counter to the respondent's earlier argument that the 
status of the land does not depend upon the status of the transferee.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Whether the said land was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Crown land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  or }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 whilst title was vested in the Crown Corporation, it is the status of the land after transfer from the Crown and at the time the charging order was sought, that is the crucial issue in these proceedings. The appellant claims that the said land was }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  because the land fell clearly within the statutory definition of that term when ownership passed to the appellant. The respondents assert that the appellant's}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 argument requires the Court to find that the land acquir}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 ed a status dependent upon the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 ethnic origin of the transferee. Counsel for the respondents submitted that as the s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 Native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  included persons of any }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Polynesian race, including Maoris, application of the appellant's argument would create an absurd situation which the Legislature could never had intended.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We should interpolate here that there is a distinction in definition between a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Cook Islander}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  as defined in }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12857621\charrsid9993021 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  49}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12857621\charrsid9993021 (}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2) of the Judicature Act 1980-81 and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  as defined in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 of the 1915 Act. This distinction was not raised by either counsel before us. Counsel for the respondent used the s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  to argue the unacceptability of status based on the transferee's ethn}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 ic origin. However, s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 49 of the J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 udicature Act }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9338575\charrsid9993021 refers to the term}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Cook Islander}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and it is s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 49 that gives the Court power to make a charging order. As set out in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 49 supra, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Cook Islander}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 means a person belonging to or descending from that part of the Polynesian race indigenous to the Cook Islands. We have already found that the appellant was a descendant of a native as that term is used in s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4921964\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 491 of the 1915 Act. Although no argument was p
resented to us, it is of some importance to determine whether the appellant also falls within the definition of a Cook Islander. The appellant's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 genealogical tree, as a result of tracing back succession from the title orders (R100-103), locates the appella
nt as a great grandchild of Willie Isaia. Section 421 of the 1915 Act sets out the law relating to investigation of customary title and s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770776\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 422 the requirement of the Court to determine}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  inte}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 rests in customary land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  according to the ancient custom }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 and usage of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Natives of the Cook Island}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . When the C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 ourt made its order in 1906, it }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 would have determined that Willie Isaia was entitled to a freehold interest as a native or descendant of a native of the Cook Islands.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We are accordingly of the view that the appellant by virtue of succession falls within the status of a Cook Islander. In any event s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770776\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 491 of the 1915 Act provides sufficient jurisdiction for the purpose of determining the is}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13525434\charrsid9993021 sue presently before this Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770776\charrsid9993021 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We have carefully considered the excellent
 submissions made by both counsel. We have difficulty in accepting that the transfer of land out of Crown ownership changed the status of the land from }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Crown land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  to }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  Although the words }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 other than Native land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  as they appear in the definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 are difficult to interpret with precision, they could be construed as meaning that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  as also defined in s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770776\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 is excluded from the definition. As a result European status may be limited to land owned by persons outside the class included in the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  class of person.
\par 
\par We prefer, however, to rely upon the unequivocal and straight forward defi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 nition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 which provides no such difficulty as the definitions of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Crown land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 European land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 raise as a result of the inclusion of the words }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 other than Native lands}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . The definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 fits exactly the position of the appellant and the land itself at the time the appellant acquired a fee simple title in 1985 
and also on 13 September 1996 when the charge was imposed. Application of the literal rule of construction adopted by the Courts requires that plain meaning be given to the words of a section when applied strictly to the circumstances falling within that 
meaning. We are aware of the need for caution in construing status of land by use of the interpretation provisions of an Act. Indeed this point was properly raised before the lower Court in submissions presented by the Solicitor-General (R83). In these}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 proceedings howe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 
ver we are dealing with the term}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 native land
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  as it appears in both s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770776\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 49 of the J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 udicature Act 1980-1981 and s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444145\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 491 of the 1915 Act. These two sections are crucial to the validity or otherwise of the orders made by the lower Court. We consider we are entitled to go to the s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444145\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 Interpretation clause, and indeed must do so, to interpret properly what the respective sections mean.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 We are also helped considerably in the view we have taken that the said land is Native freehold land by the well establ
ished policy of the Legislature as embodied in the 1915 Act and its later amendments to preserve and protect Native lands from erosion by alienation or Crown acquisition. The whole tenor of the land legislation is directed to this end. The 1950 Amendment 
w
as enacted to remove law which allowed land sold by the Crown to a native to remain European land. The Hansard report of debate on the 1950 Bill which was presented by counsel for the appellant as part of his submission spelt out the policy of the governm
ent to discourage alienation and to widen the definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 . Although the definition of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 native}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 in Section 2 extends the qualifying class to wider Polynesia, the important matter to bear in mind is that the land has the status of Native freehold land and remains subject to the 1915 Act. The later amendment in 1996 is al}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 so a further indication of Gover}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 nment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 policy to hold fast to and even seek to recover native land holdings.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Having found that the said land is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  on the interpretation of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444145\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 49 (}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 1980-81) and 491 (1915) assisted by s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14368972\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
2 (1915), there is no need to consider the alternative argument of the appellant that the status of Section 88E remained }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native freehold land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 throughout the period of Crown ownership. An
 argument in support of that contention may or may not be sustainable but we make no finding thereon. Similarly we have no reason to address the alternate argument of the appellant that the 1985 transfer was void. Strong sub}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 missions opposing this ground we}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 re presented by}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
counsel for the respondents who raised a stricture concerning possible conflict with an Executive decision. This issue was not raised before the lower Court. We have no need to deal with it further.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 7. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 CONCLUSION
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368972 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 It is the finding of t
his Court that the said land, Part Ki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 ri Section 88E comprising 2135m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 , at the time orders were made on 13 September 1996, was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 Native land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9178210\charrsid9993021 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
 and as such was not available under s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14368972\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 49 of the Judicature Act 1980-81 and s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14368972\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 491 of the Cook Islands Act 1915 to be charged or taken in execution for payment of debts due by the appellant.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13054340 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368972 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 2 There is an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 
 order under section 56 of the J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 udicature Act 1980-81 reversing the judgment of the High Court given on 13 September 1996 and setting aside the cha
rging order and order or sale made by that Court.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8526479 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368972 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 3 There is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021 
 a further order under section 23}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021  awarding costs of $5000 against the respondents in favour of the appellant.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13054340 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368972 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 4 There is a direction to the Registrar that the sum of $5000 held by the Registrar}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8526479\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 as security be refunded to the appellant }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 
such sum to be paid to the appellant's solicitors Stevenson, Nelson and Mitchell, Rarotonga, whose receipt shall be a sufficient discharge to the Registrar.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7030163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 This decision is delivered by the undersigned on behalf of the Court hearing this appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 
\par Dated this 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13054340\charrsid9993021  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9993021 day of December 1997.

\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1133961 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7030163\charrsid9062487 A G McHugh
\par }}