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\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale150\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot10644063 \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid10434785\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 IN THE COUR}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 T OF APPEAL OF THE COOK ISLANDS \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 HELD AT RAROTONGA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001 CA NO. 3/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 08 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 IN THE MATTER}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 of the Cook Islands Act 1915 ss 390A, 391 & 409(e) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 IN THE MATTER}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 of the lands known as Mangaiti Kairoa 30 &54 No. 1, Auautangata 5 6,Vaitakaia 59, Nauparatoa 60,Te Matepa 61, Vairoa 64 & 64B(Ruatonga) Taurupau 69,Rarokava 70 Te Piri 73 (Takuvaine), Koterau 88, Taratiu93 (Ruatonga),Anga Kopua 125(Takuvaine),}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Rimatara 127N}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (Araitetonga) Nokii 182 (Ngatipa) Aretura & Takakoka188E N, Vaiokura19B,Rangimar191G (Upper Tupapa) -}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 "the Tumu Lands" \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 BETWEEN \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 the descendants of Utanga and Arerangi Tumu}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Appellants \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 the descendants of lopu Tumu}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Respondents \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Before}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 Barker JA (Presiding) \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Fisher JA \par Grice JA \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Mr M C Mitchell for Appellants \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 Mrs T P Browne for Respondents \par \par Date of hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 09 July 20091 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 Date of judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 July 2009 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 In its judgment of 28 November 2008, this Court gave the appellant leave to appeal from part of the judgment of the Chief Justice given on 24 June 2008. \par \par 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The part of the Chief Justice}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 s judgment in respect of which leave to appeal was given was an order made under section 416 of the Cook Islands Act 1915("the Act") validating an order made in 1912 by Jud ge MacCormick in the Land Court of the times. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The facts giving rise to the order made in the High Court are set out fully in the judgment under appeal. They are not contested and can be summarised as follows: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (a)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 By Order-in-Council of 7 July 1902, the Governor of New Zealand, acting under enabling legislation, established "The Cook and Other Islands Land Titles Court" (the Land Court) which was to consist of no less than two judges one of whom should be the Chief Judge who had to be a European. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (b)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 By further Order-in-Council of 14 July 1902, Lt. Colonel Gudgeon was appointed Chief Judge and Pa Ariki was appointed a Judge. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (c)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Pa Ariki died in 1906 and was not replaced.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The Court continued to operate without being properly constituted. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (d)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 On 13 January 1912, Judge MacCormick was appointed a Judge of the Land Court but not Chief Judge. He purported to exercise jurisdiction in the Court on his own - despite the requiremen t for two Judges. Lt. Colonel Gudgeon had departed the Cook Islands in 1908. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (e)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 One of the orders made by Judge MacCormick was that of 30 May 1912 relating to the lands described in the intituling of this appeal in favour of lopu Tumu whose descendants a re the present respondents.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The present appellants are the descendants of Utanga and Arerangi Tumu who were parties to, the original application. It is not necessary to discuss the facts surrounding the origina}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001 l application in 1912. Adequate }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 coverage can be found in the judgment under appeal and in the report prepared for the Chief Justice by Smith J in respect of the respondents}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 ultimately unsuccessful s. 390A application. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 (f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 )}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Judge Ma}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001 c}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Cormick seems to have recognised that there were defects in the constitution of the Court in a letter he wrote to the Minister in charge of Cook Islands Administration on 21 May 1912. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 (g) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 On 11 August 1913, the Order-in-Council was amended to provide for the Court to consist of the Chief Judge and such other Judges as the Governor may appoint. The requirement for two judges to sit was abolished. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (h)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Pursuant to this Order-in-Council, Lt. Colonel Gudgeon was re-appointed as Chief Judge for a period of three months. He was tasked with reviewing all Land Court orde}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 rs made since the death of Pa Ari}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 ki and to take such action necessary to validate them. He did not make any amendment to the order under consideration in this appeal. He did correct others. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 In the light of those facts, the Chief Justice rightly held that the 1912 order purported to have been made by Judge MacCormick, had been made without jurisdiction. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 In its earlier judgment, the Court raised the possible application to the situation described above of the doctrine of the de-facto judge. The Court is now satisfied that this doctrine has no application on the facts of the present case. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Cases on the doctrine, such as }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid1989852 re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid1989852 Aldridge}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (1893) 15 NZLR 361 and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Mills & Ors v The State (2005) FJCA}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1989852 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 , show that the defect in appointment should be unknown to the alleged j udge and the public at the time jurisdiction was purported to be exercised. Judge MacCormick clearly knew the provisions governing the exercise of jurisdiction but ignored them. It is hard to be critical of someone operating in the early days of the twent ieth century when the New Zealand colonial administration of the Cook Islands was in its infancy and communications were rudimentary. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 7.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 The }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Chief Justice having found that the 1912 order had been made without juri sdiction, considered that the irregularity was one of the "practice and procedure" of the Court and did not go to the substance. He therefore applied s. 416(1) and held that principles}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 of equity and good conscience dictated that the 1912 order be validated. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 8.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The relevant sections of the Act read as follows: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 "Section 399 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Validity of orders}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 "(1)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 No order of the [Land Court] shall be invalid because of any error, irregularity, or defect in the form thereof or in the practice of procedure of the Court, eve n though by reason of that error, irregularity, or defect the order was made without or in excess of jurisdiction. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (2)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this section shall apply to any order which in its nature or substance and independently of its form or of the practice or procedure}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 of the Court was made withou}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 t or in excess of jurisdiction. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (3)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Every order made by}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1989852 [}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 the Land Court] shall be presumed in all Court and in all proceedings to have been made within the jurisdiction of the Court, unless the contrary is proved or appears on the fact of the order. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Section 415 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Drawing up of orders heretofore made \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Any order made by the Cook Islands Land Titles Court which has not been drawn up, signed, and sealed before the commencement of this Act may be drawn up, signed and sealed by a Judge of [the Land Court], and shall take effect as from the making thereof. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Section 416 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Validation of former orders}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (1)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 When any question arises as to the validity of any order made by the Cook Islands Land Titles Court before the commencement of this Act, and [the Land Court] is satisfied that having regard to equity and good conscience s uch order ought to be validated, [the Land Court] may by order validate the same accordingly. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (2)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 No such order shall of any force or effect until drawn up, signed and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 sealed. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (3)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 No such order shall be signed or sealed until and unless}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 ,}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 it has been assented to by the Attorney-General in writing. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (4)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Every such order shall take effect as from the date of the "order validated thereby." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 9.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 In the view of this Court, the Chief Justice was right to validate the 1912 order. He noted that the necessary consent of the Attorney}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 General under s 416(3) had been obtained. \par \par 10.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 We interpret the legislation in the context of this case: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (a)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 S 399(1) validates orders made because of any irregularity, error or defect in form or in the practice and proc edure of the Court, even though such orders may have been made without or in excess of jurisdiction. Such orders do not need to be validated by the Court. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (b)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 S 399(2) prevents the application of s 399(1) to orders made without jurisdiction which do not come without jurisdiction which do not come within the parameters of s399(1). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (c)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The purported order of Judge MacCormick was not encompassed by s 399(1). He lacked fundamental jurisdiction and his purported exercise of it could not be considered a matter of }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 practice or procedure. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16331496 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 (d)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Accordingly, s416(1) applied to Judge MacCormick}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 s order and the only question for the Court is whether it is satisfied having regard to equity and good conscience, that the order should be validated. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 11.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 This Court agrees with the Chief Justice that the equity and good conscience of the situation requir es a validation order to be made. The land concerned has been leased and subdivided many times over the last 97 years. Many persons unconnected with the ancient dispute of 1912 have acquired rights in good faith. It could be unconscionable to expose such persons to the uncertainty that would be generated by a refusal to validate the 1912 order. Moreover, we agree with the Chief Justice that the fact that the order was made by consent strengthens the notion of equity and good conscience applying. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 12.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Conseq uently the Court concludes that the validating order made by the Chief Justice under s 416(1) was entirely proper in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 circu}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 mstances. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 13.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368303\charrsid3868001 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 The appeal is \bullet therefore dismissed with costs of $2000 plus disbursements to the Respondents. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3868001 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 Barker JA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3868001 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 Fisher JA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3868001 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 Grice JA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11368303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16331496\charrsid3868001 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Solicitors: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3868001\charrsid3868001 Charles Little PC for applicants \par Browne Harvey and Associates PC for respondents \par }}