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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 ACTION NO. HBC0231D OF 2002S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 IN THE MATTER of an application}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Under Order 113 of the High Court}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Rules of Fiji.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 BETWEEN:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 THE ATTORNEY}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 -}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 GENERAL OF}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 FIJI}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 on behalf of the Director of Lands,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Government Buildings, Suva.
\par Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 AND:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 ATUNAISA MOCELUTU}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 of Nadonumai}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Road, Suvavou.
\par Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par Counsel for the Plaintiff:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Ms A Rokomokoti, Attorney}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 General}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Chambers
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 Defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 In Person

\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Date of Decision:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  13 December 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 Time of Decision}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
9.15 a.m.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par This is an application by the State for possession of land under O.113 proceedings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
The land in question is a piece of reclaimed foreshore, known and otherwise described as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Navesi Reclaimed Land }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  Lami,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  very close to Navesi river in Lami.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 On the Locality Diagram provided by the Applicant, (Sheet Ref. 029/11.05 & 12.05) the subject area is given as 700m}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 53 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 .
\par 
\par The defendant, a member of Yavusa Nayavumata of Nadonumai, Suvavou had earlier this year moved into the described land without the permission of the State.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 He has erected a shed on it and, according to the affidavit of the plaintiff, is used as a taxi base by the defendant.
\par 
\par A notice to dismantle the structure, served on the defendant by the plaintiff followed by the actual dismantling of the shed by the plaintiff only resulted a few weeks later, in the defendant rebuilding the shed.
\par 
\par As a last resort, the plaintiff now files this originating summons.
\par 
\par Plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
s Submissions are pretty straight forward.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Evidence show that the land in question is the result
 of reclamation of the Lami foreshore by the State.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
Under Section 23 of the State Lands Act (Cap 132), the right and title of the reclaimed lands }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 shall continue vested in the State as if the same had continued subject to the flow and reflow of the ordinary tides.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par The plaintiff submits that since the foreshore is now properly state land the provisions of Section 32 of the State Lands Act, apply, to whit}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 32.\tab Any person not claiming bona fide under a subsisting lease or licence or otherwise under any Act
 relation to the occupation of State land who is found occupying any Crown Land or is found residing or erecting any hut or building, depasturing stock or cutting any timber grown thereon, or clearing digging up, inclosing or cultivating any part thereof,
 shall be liable to immediate eviction and shall be guilty of an offence against this Act:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
Provided that nothing in this Act shall deprive the public of the right to quiet enjoyment, for recreation purposes, of the foreshore.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par Counsel for the State argues
 that given that the reclaimed foreshore has now properly become state land and remains vested in the State, the defendant, having moved on to the land without the approval of the Director of Lands, is a trespasser within the meaning of Section 32 and is 
liable for eviction.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Defendant}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s Submissions}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par The defendant concedes that he is occupying the plot of the reclaimed foreshore referred to by the plaintiff.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
However in his affidavit in reply, the defendant claims that he is merely exercising his right as one of the owners of the traditional fishing grounds upon which the state reclaimed land emerged.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 According to the defendant, the piece of land, is not the result of any deliberate reclamation work carried out by the State, but the subject area was previousl
y used by the Public Works Department as a dump for }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 rocks and soil left}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
over from the construction of the new stretch of Suva }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  Lami highway.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par The defendant then argues that since he was merely exercising his legal rights as the owner of the traditional fishing grounds upon which the reclaimed land is founded, he could not possibly be trespassing on his own property.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 The logic of this argument is to be found in paragraph 4 of the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s affidavit, which says}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 THAT}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 I am not trespassing on to State L
and, but have entered part of my traditional fishing ground which is a state foreshore owned by us and controlled by the State.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par The defendant then attached to his affidavit a sketch plan of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 unknown authorship or authority of the Suva }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  Lami area but whic
h it purports to show, in areas edged yellow, all lands belonging to the 3 yavusas of Nauluvatu, Nayavumata and Vatuwaqa, of Suvavou.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
The sketch plan however appears totally irrelevant as the subject land of this present proceeding falls outside the area covered by the plan.
\par 
\par There is an additional argument advanced by the defendant, which materialised from his written submissions, although in a very disjointed form.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Resorting to various documents and correspondence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 (}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Despatches}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 )}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  in the periods immediately prior to and after Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s Deed of Cession in 1874, the defendant attempts to establish the existence of a pre}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 eminent claim of native Fijians to all state lands.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
I will deal with this issue later.
\par 
\par The defendant also referred to his many attempts without success to regularise the occupancy of the land, by applying for a proper licence or lease from the Director of Lands.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Traditional Fishing Rights}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par The defendant has gone to great length to trace the existence of the Vanua of Suvavou}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s traditional fishing rights along the Suva and Lami foreshores.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
This Court does not wish to offer any views on the matter except agree that the concept of traditional fishing rights does exist.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
Indeed our laws recognise the existence of such rights, which are addressed from time to time, by the Agricultural Tribunal, specifically set}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 up with the purposes of inter alia, assessing appropriate compensation to be awarded to Fijian landowners, whose traditional fishing grounds are adversely affected by human activities.
\par 
\par On any possible claim arising from the Navesi Reclaimed Land }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
 Lami reclamation work, the plaintiff states that the matter is being addressed by the various relevant agencies of Government in consultation with the 3 yavusas of Suvavou.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 The negotiations are continuing.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 THE LAW AND APPLICATION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par The law governing foreshore and land reclaimed therefrom, is set out in Part V of the State Lands Act (Cap 132).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
The definition of state land }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 under Section 2 of the Act includes}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 foreshores and the soils under the waters of Fiji.....}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Where the foreshore has been reclaimed, then according to Section 23 (2) of the Act}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  (2)\tab The right and title of such lands so raised and reclaimed shall continue vested in the State as if the same had continued subject to the flow and reflow of the ordinary tides.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par The land in question, the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
Navesi Reclaimed Land }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  Lami}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
comes under the ambit of S.23 (2) of the Act and therefore properly belongs to the State.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
It matters not to the issue of ownership, that the compensation of loss of traditional fishing rights of the defendant is still being negotiated.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 The ownership of reclaimed land arises by operation of law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Pure and simple.

\par 
\par The defendant has absolutely no legal grounds to support his occupation of the land in question.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 It is misconceived as 
it is mischievous for the defendant to argue that the land he presently occupies stands on his yavusa}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s traditional fishing grounds; or at any rate, he had a right to occupy it since the state had not paid compensation to the owners of the traditional fish
ing grounds for the loss of use. The defendant would seem to be taking it upon himself to confront what he perceives to be some past injustice,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 by blatant disregard for the law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
And yet it is only by and through the operation of the law that the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s grievances can be addressed.
\par 
\par The defendant also referred to the Deed of Cession and various}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Despatches}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  between the then Colony of Fiji and the Colonial Secretary}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s Office in London, as supporting his contention that all State land in Fiji are held in trust for the native Fijians.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
While the issue is yet to be fully addressed in an appropriate forum, the Court is satisfied that the question remains a mere proposition. As for the present proceedings, quite apart from the above}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 mentioned, the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 argument arises as}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 the result of a very narrow}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 interpretation of the documents in question.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 As far as}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
this Court is concerned, the only State lands of which native landowners can have some pre}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 eminent claims over are}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 those}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
that come under Section 18 of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 the Native}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Land Trust Act (Cap. 134).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 The }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 Navesi, Reclaimed Land }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918  Lami}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 the subject land}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 under}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 this}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 action, does}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 not come under}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 this}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 exception.
\par 
\par In the circumstance, having considered the affidavits and submissions of both parties, the Court finds that the defendant is occupying the land in question without licence or approval of the Director of Lands.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 His occupation is therefore illegal.
\par 
\par Order is hereby made for possession of the said land by the plaintiff.
\par 
\par The defendant is given 21 days to dismantle and remove any structure built on the property.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7434918\charrsid7434918 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 I award costs of $100 against the defendant.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 F. Jitoko
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7434918 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613552\charrsid7434918 
\par At Suva
\par }}