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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 CA 5/2009
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 IN THE MATTER of Section 54 of the Judicature Act and Article 62(c) and (e) Of the Constitution

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 AND
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 IN THE MATTER of a decision by Justice Hingston dated 13}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 t}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 h March 2009 Partitioning the land Vaitamanga 88F and 88F2A, Arorangi
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 ERUERA TE WHITI NIA artist and THOMAS LOWRY accountant Both of Rarotonga
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Appellants
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 MYRA AROHA MEMORY LOVE Landowner
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8415279 {\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Before:}{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279  }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Barker P}{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Smellie JA}{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Fisher JA
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Counsel:}{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279  }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Mr Nia and Mr Lowry (first and second-named appellants) in person
\par Mr T Manarangi for respondent
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279  }{\fs24\insrsid4722563\charrsid8415279 16 June 2010 }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 
\par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\insrsid15946881\charrsid8415279  }{\fs24\insrsid4917184\charrsid8415279 18 June 2010
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Introduction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
The appellants appeal against a decision of Hingston J given in the Land Division of the High Court on 13 March 2009. They
 bring the appeal on behalf of other family members who share with the respondent ownership of two parcels of land known as Vaitamanga 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881  and 88F2A, adjoining the sea at Arorangi.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 2. No order was sealed following Hingston J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 s decision but its effect was to partition part of 88F (which part we will refer to as 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3) and the whole of 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
2A. The partition divided the land between the respondent, on the one hand, and the other co-owners, on the other. The appellants complain that partition was inappropriate i
n substance and that procedurally they were given no opportunity to hold a family meeting before the decision was given.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Background
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 The land in 88F2A and 88}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
3 was held by four sisters, Mokoroa, Inanui, Veia and the respondent Myra Love in equal shares. When the first three died, their interest passed to their issue. The appellants represent all or most of the issue of the first three sisters in the current ap
peal. The respondent has continued as the owner of the fourth share down to the present day.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
In varying combinations the parties are also the owners of other land adjacent to 88F2A. Along with that land, the owners leased 88F2A to South Pacific Resorts 
Ltd trading as Crown Beach Resorts ("Crown Beach"). The lease has another 22 years to run. Crown Beach Resort erected various buil}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 dings including t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 en fully detached accommodation units on 88F2A.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 The land in 88}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3 is a str}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 p of sand between 88F2A and the
 sea. It is not presently the subject of any lease nor is it built upon. It represents potential access from the Crown Beach resort to the main beach and the sea.
\par 
\par 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Over the last 13 years there has been an unresolved dispute between the lessee of 88F2A (
now Crown Beach) and the landowners concerning access from the leased land to the beach. The land in 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
3 lies between the two. The question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
is whether the lessee can use 88F3 for that access. The parties currently await the outcome of the landowners}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
 application for a permanent injunction against Crown Beach and its guests. There was a defended hearing of that matter in October 2009. For some reason the decision has not yet been released.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 7. In addition to the dispute with Crown Beach there is a second di
spute. This dispute lies between the landowners themselves. It concerns the future use of the land. Most of the landowners contend that Crown Beach should be refused a lease over 88F2A after its expiry and that in the meantime they should fight on in thei
r quest for a permanent injunction against Crown Beach}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
s use of 88F3. That course will include, if necessary, the prosecution of, or resistance to, any appeals which might follow the current proceedings against Crown Beach.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 8.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 The respondent, on the other 
hand, has had enough of the dispute with Crown Beach. She contends that it should be settled on a commercial basis now. She contemplates the negotiation of a lease over her portion of 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 , and a new lease of her portion of 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
2A to follow the existing lease. She is 75 and would like to see an end to the whole matter.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 9. When the respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
s dispute with her fellow-owners could not be resolved she arranged for the preparation of a scheme plan for partition of 88F2A and 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3. Under the scheme plan the portion she would receive comprises one qua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 ter of the total land now in dispute. Partition of the quarter to her would enable her to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 independently finalise matters with Crown Beach.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 High Court proceedings
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 10. The respondent initiated proceedings for partition before the High Court sitting in its Land jurisdiction. She produced the scheme plan proposing partition of 88F2A and 88}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3. Under the plan the respondent would take a strip of land on the southern boundary of both lots forming approximately one}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
quarter of the whole in area. Access to the one quarter strip would be gained by a 4m access strip across the eastern end of the balance to be retained by the remaining owners.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 11. In the partition proceedings two affidavits were filed by the respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 s son, Seth Love, and one by each of the above-named appellants. There was then a hearing at which each of the principal parties gave oral evidence.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 12. After hearing the evidence Hingston J concluded that the dissention within the fam
ily made any chance of a consensus remote. He noted the general jurisdiction to make a partition order under s 429 of the Cook Islands Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 1915. He could see no purpose in prolonging the dispute between the owners. It was not expedient to leave them fighti
ng in one group. The respondent was 75 years of age and needed finality. Consequently he made the partition order sought.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 The appeal
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 13. Section 429(1) of the Cook Islands Act 1915 gives the High Court jurisdiction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 to partition land of this kind. Section 429(2) goes on to provide:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
Such jurisdiction shall be discretionary, and the Court may refuse to exercise the same in any case in which it is of opinion that partition would be inexpedient in the public interest or in the interests of the owners or other
 persons interested in the land.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 14. The only other express statutory criterion of relevance to the present appeal is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 that pursuant to s 433 the Court is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881 ... to av}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
oid, so far as practicable, subdivision into areas which because of their smallness or their configuration or for any other reason are unsuitable for separate ownership or occupation.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
\par 15. Beyond those provisions the discretion to partition is largely unfe
ttered. Where an appeal is brought against the exercise of a judicial discretion the appellate court does not simply substitute its own view. It will intervene only if at first instance there has been an error of principle, reliance upon irrelevant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 considerations, disregard of relevant ones or the giving of a decision which is plainly wrong.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 16. In this Court the appellants, who were unrepresented, have adopted as their submissions a solicitor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 s memorandum of 7 September 2009. That memorandum was originall
y filed in support of the application for leave to bring the present appeal. We have carefully considered the arguments advanced in that memorandum so far as they relate to the appeal. We have also been much assisted by the submissions of Mr Nia and Mr Lo
wry presented before us in person.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 17. From those sources we have identified the following as the significant grounds of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Failure to pay proper regard to the dispute with Crown Beach
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 18. A principal argument for the appellants is that the Judge failed to pay proper regard to the long-standing dispute they have with Crown Beach over access to the beach.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 19. The appellants argue that they have invested much time, trouble and expense in pursuing the rights of all the landowners against Crown Beach; t
hat it would be unfair for the respondent to desert the cause at this late stage; that for her to come to a separate agreement with Crown Beach would unfairly benefit both Crown Beach and herself, and that such an arrangement would weaken the cause of the
 remaining landowners in their continuing battle with Crown Beach.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 20. These matters were traversed before Hingston J. Although his reasons for decision are cursory in the extreme, he particip
ated in much discussion about the dispute with Crown Beach in the course of the hearing. He could scarcely have failed to take that matter into account.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 21. Nor is it apparent to us that in the context of a partition application the Judge was wrong to place greater weight on the dissention between the landowners}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
themselves. It must be remembered that partition is primarily concerned with internal relationships between landowners, not their joint or several external relationships with third parties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 22. Al
though we expressly invited them to do so, the appellants were unable to articulate any prejudice to them in the way in which they will conduct the existing proceedings with Crown Beach if the existing partition order is left to stand. Nor are they preclu
ded from negotiating with Crown Beach in relation to the remaining 75 per cent of the land if they think fit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Partition lines bisecting improvements
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 23. The appellants are concerned that the effect of partition would be to run boundary lines through existing improvements.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 24. The actual partition line is yet to be finally sur}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4722563 veyed but the scheme plan does}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
not bisect any building. It does encounter the outer edge of the courtyards associated with two of the buildings. However that would seem to be remedied
 by either a slight change in the boundary as finally surveyed, or physical alterations to the courtyards, should that ultimately prove necessary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 25
. The appellants also expressed concern over bisection of buildings if the remaining 75 per cent of the land were to be further partitioned into three 25 per cent lots. However there is no suggestion that the remaining owners wish to subdivide their resid
ual area. Nor is it clear that if they did decide to do so the boundary lines would be in the position they fear.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Partitioned properties impractically small
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 26. The appellants argue that the partition would produce properties which were impractically}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 small. The respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 s portion of 88}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12922774 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881  would be only 404 m2. However t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 his overlooks the form of the partition ordered by Hingston J. He contemplated a merger between the respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 s portion of 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12922774 F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 3 with her portion of 88F2A. Ther}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881 e }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 is to be a similar merger between the residual portions of the land retained by the remaining owners.
\par 
\par 27. In the result the respondent would have only one relevant property and the remaining owners another. The resultant two properties would not be impractically small.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Other grounds
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 28. The appellants relied upon a number of other grounds which we can deal with more shortly.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 29. Despite the appellants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
 remarks to the contrary, we can see little point in denying the state of disharmony between the respondent and the remaining owne
rs. Like Hingston J, we refrain from commenting upon the causes and merits of those family disputes. Nor would we want it to be thought that we accept, or have been influenced by, the respondent}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 s intemperate remarks about Mr Nia and Mr Lowry. Those re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12922774 m
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 ark
s should not have been made or included among the documents before the Court. But whatever the reasons, it would be idle to deny that there is a deep-seated stated of disharmony between the two groups which is unlikely to be resolved in the immediate futu
re.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
30. Allied to the last point, we can see no point in deferring partition to allow the opportunity for a family meeting about partition. Whatever the remaining owners might decide at such a meeting, the history suggests that any agreement with the respo
ndent is no longer a realistic possiblity. In an ideal world such a meeting would have been held before the partition hearing. The overseas residence of most of the parties may have made that difficult. The key decision-makers appear to have been Mr Nia, 
M
r Lowry and the respondent. The first two did make their views known at the hearing before Hingston J. Clearly the respondent could have accepted the views they expressed, or participated in discussion immediately before, or during the hearing, if she had
 been open to persuasion. That she did not do so suggests that no amount of discussion in a family meeting would have made any difference.
\par 
\par 31. The appellants suggest that priority in these matters should be given to the wishes of Cook Island residents compared to the wishes of residents overseas. We can understand that point of view but the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12922774 re is no legislative foundation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
 for it. We note also that among all the many landowners involved here, only Mr Nia and Mr Lowry live locally.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
32. Finally, we do not consider that there is any disproportionate value in the quarter interest partitioned to the respondent. It was not suggested that there was any material difference in area. The appellants suggested that the respondent would have an
 
unfair advantage in having the portion closest to other land held by Crown Beach. However if she does implement the plans she presently contemplates, Crown Beach will control the land adjacent to the remaining 75 per cent retained by the remaining owners.
 They will be similarly free to either retain that land or come to an arrangement with Crown Beach as they think fit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 33. In our view no reason has been advanced for interfering with the way in which Hingston J exercised his discretion to make the partition order.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 Result
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 34. The appeal is dismissed with costs to the respondent in the sum of $2,500 plus disbursements to be fixed by the Registrar.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15946881\charrsid15946881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 SIGNED this 18th day of June 2010.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10684803 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10684803\charrsid10684803 Barker P
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10684803 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10684803 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10684803\charrsid10684803 Smellie JA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10684803 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10684803 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10684803\charrsid10684803 Fisher JA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15946881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4917184\charrsid15946881 
\par }}