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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid14705530 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LAUTOKA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\insrsid14705530 CIVIL ACTION NO. HBC0069 OF 1994L
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\b\fs24\insrsid14705530 NAULIVOU
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\b\fs24\insrsid14705530 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\b\fs24\insrsid14705530 THE NATIVE LAND TRUST BOARD
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\par }{\fs24\insrsid14705530 Gates J.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid14705530 Mr K. Vuataki for the Plaintiff
\par Mr R. Matebalavu for the Defendant
\par 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid14705530 3-4 April, 27 June, 26 July, 29 May 2002
\par 12 November 2003
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\b\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid14705530 JUDGMENT}{\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
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\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 Introduction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16344745 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 [1]}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 \tab 
This case calls for a decision on what type of land holding is in dispute, who owns that land, and to whom should the income derived from it be distributed.
\par 
\par [2] \tab Pre-Cession, a George Winter purchased Vomo Island, an island of 270 acres 22 kilometres off the coast of Lautoka.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 
Winter bought it from the then Tui Vuda, Ratu Nasorowale and paid for it with a 26 foot schooner.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 This transaction was thought to have occurred in the year 1871.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 After Cession, the title was registered to Winter.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 Such sale was finally
 approved and confirmed by the Governor on 8 June 1883 and the title became registered on that day as Crown Grant No. 850.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 
\par 
\par [3]}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 \tab Upon George\rquote s death, his son Francis Pratt Winter succeeded to the property. The transmission by death was noted on the Certificate of Title.
\par 
\par [4] \tab Perhaps because he had moved on to Papua New Guinea, Francis Winter was prepared to sell the island.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 He sold it for \'a360.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745 
 }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 The possibility of re-purchase had been discussed at a Council Meeting for the Province of Ba and Yasawa held at Nailaga in 1897.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 
The money was raised under the co-ordination of the Tui Vuda in time for the next meeting in 1898 and the re-purchase was approved by the Governor on 22 November 1898. }{\fs24\insrsid15411133 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid16344745\charrsid16344745 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 [5] \tab On 25 February 1899 the Government Commissioner registered the transfer on the Certificate of Title, noting }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 
the mataqali Sabutoyatoya of the Province of Yasawa}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745  as the newly registered owner.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16344745 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 [6] \tab David Wi
lkinson headed a Native Lands Commission of Inquiry.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 He carried out a painstaking inquiry into the ownership of land in the Ba and Yasawa province between the years 1893-98.
}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 On one view Wilkinson had referred to all yavusas in the District of Vuda as mataqalis, a smaller land owning community than the yavusas.
\par 
\par [7] \tab There is a Yavusa Sabutoyatoya who reside at Namara Village on Wayasewa Island in the District of Waya.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 This island comes within Yasawa Province.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 The Plaintiff comes from Namara and is a member of the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya, hereafter Yavusa Sabutoyatoya [Wayasewa].}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 He claims to represent the yavusa, and the tokatokas the family groups that are within the yavusa, tokatokas Nos. 41-45 as listed in the Vola ni Kawa Bula [the VKB].
\par 
\par [8] \tab There is a second group.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 They reside at Viseisei Village in the District of Vuda of Ba Province who also claim to be the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 I shall refer to them as the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya [Viseisei].
\par 
\par [9]}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 \tab On 12 March 1989 the Defendant, on behalf of the owners, the 
Yavusa Sabutoyatoya, leased Vomo Island, comprising Vomolevu and Vomolailai Islands, to a resort company for 99 years.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 Consideration for the lease was $80,000.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 From 1988 the annual rent was to be $10,000 advancing to $100,000 per annum from 1993 onwards, with provision for periodic reassessment.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 The increase in the commercial value of the land asset naturally sharpened the interest of the two parties to the dispute.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16344745 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 [10]}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 \tab 
The Yavusa Sabutoyatoya [Wayasewa] also referred to as the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya [Namara] has not been recognised officially as owners or part owners of Vomo.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 
They have not received any capital or income payments from the Defendant, who has acted as Trustee for the yavusa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 
Instead all monies from the lease to the date of the hearing had been paid out to the Tui Vuda }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 as sole owner and sole recipient}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 .
\par }{\fs24\insrsid16344745\charrsid16344745 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8944752 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 What type of land is it?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16344745 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 [11] \tab 
When George Winter acquired Vomo Island from Ratu Nasorowale in 1871, he purchased land that was from then on to be treated as outside of the scheme of lands for native owners.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 Whether or not the sovereignty of King Seru Cakobau held sway in the Yasawas was perhaps not to great point for the freehold title was not registered till after Cession.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 By then the paramount chiefs at Cession had conferred the sovereignty of the Fiji Islands upon Queen Victoria.
\par 
\par [12] \tab The source of private title was reviewed definitively in }{\i\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 The Queen (on the prosecution of C.H. McIntosh) v Symonds}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745  [1847] PCC 387.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid16344745  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid16344745 Chapman J. in a remarkable and learned judgment said (at p.388):
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
It is a fundamental maxim of our laws, springing no doubt from the feudal origin and nature of our tenures, that the King was the original proprietor of all the lands in the kingdom, and consequently the only legal source of private title: 2 Bl. Com. 51; 
Co. Litt. 65, a.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5785283 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 [13] \tab 
Not only was the Queen the exclusive source of private title, but the mode of verification by matter of record meant a full adoption and affirmation by the colonial courts of the rule of English law.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 No freehold, interest, franchise, or liberty can be transferred by the Crown, but by matter of record}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283  (p.389).
\par 
\par [14] \tab Chapman J. concluded (p.389):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
In this Charter, we find the invariable and ancient practice followed}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 :}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283  the Governor, for the time being, being authorized to make and execute in Her Majesty\rquote 
s name, and on her behalf, under the public seal of the Colony, grants of waste lands, &c.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
In no other way can any estate or interest in land, whether immediate or prospective, be made to take effect; and this Court is precluded from t
aking notice of any estate, interest, or claim, of whatsoever nature, which is not conformable with this provision of the Charter; which in itself is only an expression of the well-ascertained and settled law of the land.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5785283 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 [15] \tab His lordship added:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 Any 
acquisition of territory by a subject, by conquest, discovery, occupation, or purchase from Native tribes (however it may entitle the subject, conqueror, discoverer, or purchaser, to gracious consideration from the Crown) can confer no right on the subjec
t.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 Territories therefore, acquired by the subject in any way vest at once in the Crown.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
To state the Crown\rquote s right in the broadest way; it enjoys the exclusive right of acquiring newly found or conquered territory, and of extinguishing the title of any aboriginal inhabitants to be found thereon.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 
 }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 Anciently private war was not unusual.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
The history of Sir Francis Drake is an instance of a subject acquiring territory for the Queen, by a mixture of conquest and discovery, without a Commission.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
In like manner an accidental discovery is taken possession of, not for the benefit of the discoverer himself, but for that of the Crown.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
The rule, therefore, adopted in our colonies, }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 that the Queen has the exclusive right of extinguishing the Native title to land,}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283  is only one member of a wider rule, that the Queen has the exclusive right of acquiring new territory, and that whatsoever the subject may acquire, vests at once, as already stated, in the Queen.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 And this, because in relation to the subjects, the Queen is the only source of title.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5785283 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 [16] \tab 
His lordship writing in 1847 considered the practice of extinguishing Native titles by fair purchases to be then more than two centuries old.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
The law existed to uphold fair transactions if accompanied by genuine consideration, as well as to protect Native owners from exploitation.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 At p.390 his lordship continued:

\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
In the case of the Cherokee Nation v. State of Georgia (1831) 5 Peters 1 the Supreme Court threw its protective decision over the plaintiff nation, against a gross attem
pt at spoliation; calling to its aid, throughout every portion of its judgment, the principles of the common law as applied and adopted from the earliest times by the colonial laws: Kent\rquote s Comm. Vol. iii, lecture 51.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par [17] \tab Rejecting the idea of a right of pre-emption Chapman J. concluded:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
But the right which resides in the Crown is, as we have seen, the exclusive right of extinguishing the Native title.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5785283 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 [18] \tab 
Martin CJ in the same case referred to the Commentaries on American Law by Mr Chancellor Kent of the State of New York.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
Land sales in the American States were only recognised under the Sanction of Treaties, not individual purchases.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 He said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
The only power that could lawfully acquire the Indian title was the State, and a Government grant was the only lawful source of title admitted in the Courts of justice.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5785283 {\fs24\insrsid6692886\charrsid5785283 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 [19] \tab George Winters rights to the freehold remained undisturbed by Cession. In Oduntan Onisiwo v Attorney-General of Southern Nigeria 
(1912) 2 Nig. LR 77 Osborne CJ decided as regards the effect of the Southern Nigeria Cession of 1861 that he was of opinion that }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
the ownership rights of private landowners, including the families of the Idejos, were left entirely unimpaired, and as freely exercisable after the Cession as before.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid5785283 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid5785283 
\par 
\par [20] \tab Viscount Haldane delivering the judgment of the Privy Council in Amodu Tijani v Secretary, Southern Nigeria (1921) 2 AC 399 at p.407 said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
A mere change in sovereignty is not to be presumed as meant to disturb rights of private owners; and the general terms of a cession are prima facie to be construed accordingly.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [21] \tab 
A cautious approach to the recognition of individual title was adopted by the colonial and imperial courts.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
In the 1880s white settlers from South Africa moved North into Matabeleland and Mashonaland, over which the British Government recognised Lobengula as an independent King.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
In re Southern Rhodesia [1919] AC 211 was a decision of the Privy Council which affirmed that a chartered company\rquote s conquest of territory was to be treated as being made on behalf of the Crown.
\par 
\par [22] \tab Lord Sumner delivering the report of the Council said at p.217:
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
The Imperial Government desired to avoid the scandal and disorder to whic
h a scramble for the natural resources of the country would lead unless the white immigrants were placed under effective control, and to secure the aboriginal inhabitants in the conditions necessary to their tribal mode of life, until they should have bec
ome adapted to take their place in a civilized community.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [23] \tab 
Lord Sumner explained the need for caution (at p.236):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Private concessions of large extent and of ambitious character, when obtained by white financiers from untutored aborigines, are gener
ally and justly objects of close scrutiny, but their Lordships are relieved from the duty of inquiring into the circumstances under which this grant was made by the fact that competent officials reported to the High Commissioner, after making full inquiry
 under his direction, that the concession had been properly obtained and that its terms correctly expressed Lobengula\rquote s intentions and exactly reflected his understanding of the matter.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par [24]}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 \tab In Winter\rquote s case, not only was registration achieved after Cess
ion, but the land sale underwent necessary scrutiny before the Governor gave his confirmation and approval.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Winter possessed a freehold title to the land, as also did his son Francis when he succeeded on his father\rquote s death.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [25] \tab It cannot be doubted that a freehold title was purchased by }{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 the mataqali Sabutoyatoya of the Province of Yasawa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 " }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Conceptually that title remained a freehold.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 The quality and category of land does not mutate dependent on the race or community formation of the new owner.
\par 
\par [26] \tab The Native Lands Act Cap. 133 defines unequivocally (at section 2) that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 native lands}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886  means lands which are neither Crown Lands nor the subject of a Crown Grant.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par [27] \tab The situation here bears some similarity to that in Volavola v Mara [1986] 32 Fiji LR 9.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 In}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Volavola the land was leased to a resort company and was also freehold.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Similarly there was a misunderstanding that the freehold had reverted to Native land.
\par 
\par [28] \tab On behalf of the Plaintiff in the instant case it has been pleaded }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
that by virtue of the Native Lands Amendment Ordinance 1895 the said Certificate of Title was cancelled and the islands reverted to the yavusa and became native land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 " }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
In its defence, the Defendant denied such a claim.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 No such Ordinance has been brought to my attention.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 My own researches did point to The Native Lands Ordinance 1905, where the definition of native lands was identical to that found in the subsequent Native Lands Act Cap. 133.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Sections 5 and 6 of the 1905 Ordinance provide for the Crown to be the ultimus haeres, the last or remote heir, of extinct mataqalis and for the Crown to purchase native land of reduced mataqalis.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Neither circumstances are relevant here.
\par 
\par [29] \tab In Volavola (supra at p. 14B) Rooney J. said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
The land comprising Yanuca island is not native land as defined by the Native Lands Act, as it is freehold.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 It has been treated as such since 1906.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 It has a Certificate of Title and is registered under the Land Transfer Act Cap. 131.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
It has never been placed under the control of the Native Land Trust Board or administered as if it were native land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 [30] \tab The judge concluded (at p.14D):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
As Yanuca Island has once been the subject of a Crown grant and could no longer be treated as native land, it was made the subject of a trust in favour of the people considered to be the rightful owners.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 I have no information as to how this situation first arose and when, but, the solution adopted was a practical one.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [31] \tab It is di
fficult to imagine how (or why) a mataqali, once registered as owners of a freehold title, would seek to divest itself of such rights.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
It is possible it could arrange for a private Act of Parliament to convert such land back to native title, with its consent, or that the Director of Lands could accept a surrender of the Crown Grant and instead arrange for the issuance of a native title.}
{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 But without one of the means I have mentioned freehold land remains freehold land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
A freehold title is not a chameleon to change its colour depending on}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 whose grasp within which it is held.
\par 
\par [32] \tab The Register of Native Lands at Vol. A Folio 443A is conceptually incorrect therefore in referring to the subject land as native land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
The land should not be listed in the Register of Native Lands.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Nor could the Acting Chairman of the Native Lands Commission on 6.5.92 lawfully have made an order to correct the same Register by adding Tokatokas Nos. 41-45 to the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya from Namara on Wayasewa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 The intention was proper but the concept was misconceived.
\par 
\par [33] \tab Similarly the tenant, Offshore Resorts Ltd., should have been granted an ordinary lease, not a native lease.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Nor is the lease subject to the consent of the Board, the Defendant.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 The Board may act as an ordinary Trustee.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 The owner of the freehold is not however bound to engage the Defendant as Trustee.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 [34] \tab 
On 26 April 1990 the Native Lands Commission purported to make a ruling.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 It ruled as follows (p.11):}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6692886\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Therefore, the
 Commission has ruled that Vomo Island be transferred and registered in the Register of Native Lands, under the ownership of the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya of Viseisei, Vuda and that administration and use of the island is vested solely with the holder of the ti
tle of the Tui Vuda.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par [35]}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 \tab The NLC is }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
charged with the duty of ascertaining what lands in each province of Fiji are the rightful and hereditary property of native owners, whether of mataqali or in whatever manner or way or by whatever divisions or subdiv
isions of the people the same may be held}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886  [section 4 NLA].}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Lands in each province here refers to native lands not to freehold or Crown Leasehold. The manner of holding refers to the community landholding units, the mataqalis, yavusas or tokatokas, or to a unit as understood by custom.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par 
\par [36] \tab }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 All Lands}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
 claimed by mataqali, into which the Commission may inquire must refer similarly only to native lands.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
The Native Lands Act is not legislating for other land titles such as freehold or Crown Lease, which are not }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 native lands}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 .
\par 
\par [37] \tab The Commission misunderstood its role here.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 It had no power to re-investigate freehold land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 This would be a matter for the courts alone.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 It follows the Commission would have no powers }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 to correct the register}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886  or to convert freehold land into native land or vice versa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 It was incorrect to say as the Commission expressed itself in its ruling}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 \'85 it is now the Native Land Commission\rquote s prerogative to correct this error,}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886  and:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
The final decision on the ownership of Vomo Island rests solely with the Native Lands Commission, therefore it will be the Commission\rquote s task to issue forth a ruling by clarifying the island\rquote 
s ownership which will then be transferred to the Register of Native Lands.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [38] \tab The fact of its freehold nature was not questioned by the various Commissions of Inquiry.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 It is said the issue in dispute was as to the meaning of the registration to }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
the Mataqali Sabutoyatoya of the Yasawa Province}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 .}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Even in its own ruling the NLC conceded (at p.5):
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
Thus, it was registered as a freehold land and all Commissions of Inquiries that followed, that is Wilkinson in 1895, Maxwell in 1914, and Ratu Sukuna in 1925 did not, again inquire into the Vomo Island issue.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14705530 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [39] \tab I conclude that the land has been prop
erly registered as freehold land, that there has been no basis for changing that status, and that the subject land remains freehold land to this day.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8944752 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Plaintiff\rquote s right to sue}{
\b\fs24\insrsid15411133 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid8944752\charrsid8944752 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 [40] \tab The Defendant pleaded in its Defence that the Plaintiff did not have the 
authority of all or the majority of the members of the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya and the tokatoka for him to bring his claim.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 The Plaintiff\rquote s locus standi was questioned.

\par 
\par [41] \tab However in the agreed facts this challenge was not pursued.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Cullinan J. in }{\i\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Waisake Ratu No. 2 & Anor. v NLDC and NLTB}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886  [1991] 37 Fiji LR 146 considered communal associations of indigenous for the sharing of communal proprietary interests not to be alien to statutory laws.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Indeed the 1970 Constitution as well as subsequent Constitutions enshrine many protections for such groups.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
His lordship had reviewed other decisions prior to coming to the conclusion (at p.184) that:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 the Constitution has entrenched and protected }{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 Fijian land, customs or customary rights}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 " }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 While such aspects may be alien 
to the law of England as applied to Fiji, it cannot in anyway be said that they are alien to the Constitution or the written law of this country.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par [42] \tab His lordship observed (at p.185):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Once the right is established as part of the customary law of Fiji, and therefore as part of the law of Fiji, how then can the right be regarded as other than a legal right?}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
Again, once it is established that a legal right has been unlawfully or unjustifiably infringed, I cannot then see why, in an appropriate case, even a declaration or an injunction, much less damages, would not follow.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par [43]\tab On the question of suing the Board the judge said (at p.187):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
That cannot mean that the Board cannot be sued by the native owners, or a member of a proprietary unit, in a proper case.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid6692886 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6692886 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid6692886 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 and:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
What if, for example the Board were to completely ignore the provisions of section 9 and were to grant a lease?}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
In such a case, deprived of the use of their land without agreement, say, for 99 years, it would obviously be grossly unjust that the native owners could not sue the Board in its capacity as trustee.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13509744 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 [44] \tab 
The question of access to the courts is an important one.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 It is right and just in many cases that access be freely allowed.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 The courts must also be inclined to rescue justice from the perils of technical or human error.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
Justice is not to be denied or obstructed on such insubstantial grounds.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 The Plaintiff has a proper nexus with the claim and a proper interest.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 There is no question of the floodgates being opened.
\par 
\par [45] \tab Cullinan J. put the significance of denying access for native owners in this way (again p.187):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
I would be slow to interpret the section as meaning thereby that the Legislature intended that the native owners, comprising 50% of the population, holding 85% of the lands of Fiji should be excluded in person from the Courts of Fiji.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13509744 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
That judgement was delivered in 1987, though it was not reported till 1991.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 It was not till 2002 that the Court of Appeal decided con
clusively that such actions as the present one can be maintained.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
It was held in Mesulame Narawa and Anor. v NLTB and 4 Others (unreported) Court of Appeal Fiji Civil App. No. ABU0012 of 1999S; 31 May 2002 that a representative action could be pursued since the mataqalis had a common interest and so }{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 that they (can) receive whatever is due to them (from the Board) from the agreements.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 " }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
The relief was also likely to be seen as beneficial to the members or at least to most of them.
\par 
\par [46] \tab The large majority of members there, as here supported the action.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 Finally it was said (at p.12):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 the appellants have no other course open to them.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 They cannot sue personally.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
They cannot bring an action as an unincorporated association because they would not obtain unanimity.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid13509744 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13509744 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 
\par [47] \tab I find there is no impediment in this case to the bringing of a representative action in this form.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8944752 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid13509744 Who owns the land?
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2247784 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 [48] \tab 
It is urged that the use of the word mataqali in the freehold title is significant.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 The Defendant says it was a mistake and the word yavusa should have been written.
\par 
\par [49] \tab The Native Lands Act refers to mataqali when charging the Native Lands Commission with the duty of ascertaining the rightful owners, and indeed throughout the Act.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
Yavusa is never mentioned [sections 4, 6, 14, 17, 18].}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
Mataqali was the word used in the 1905 Ordinance and it is retained today without change after the passage of 18 amending Acts as at 1978.
\par 
\par [50] \tab As for the cases, in }{\i\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 Ame Gavidi}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
 [1946-55] 4 Fiji LR 14 the Accused was found not to be a trespasser since the mataqali had allowed a native who was not a member of the mataqali to plant crops on their land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 Customary permission from the mataqali was recognised by the court.
\par 
\par [51] \tab In }{\i\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 Meli Kaliavu & Others v Matanivunga and the NLTB}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
 [1956-57] 5 Fiji LR 17 it was the mataqali who owned the 230 acres, and in whose name the native land was registered.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 Similarly in }{\i\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
Naimisio Dikau No. 1 and 4 Others v NLTB and Anor}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 . [1986] 32 Fiji LR 179 the mataqali was the landholding unit.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
On the other hand Commissioner Maxwell insisted that the tokatoka or its equivalent was }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 in most cases the proprietary unit.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
\par 
\par [52] \tab It has not been claimed that there is a Mataqali Sabutoyatoya.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid2247784  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid2247784 
It is claimed that this usage referred to the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya of Wayasewa and Namara with its accompanying tokatokas as pleaded.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 [53] \tab 
The Defendant did not challenge the evidence of the Plaintiff on the history and origin of the people of Wayasewa and Namara or of their use of the island of Vomo.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
The Defendant simply called an accounts officer from its Western Division office to deal in unspecific terms with the distribution to date.
\par 
\par [54] \tab All of the Plaintiff\rquote s witnesses acknowledged the Tui Vuda as their paramount chief.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 On ceremonial occasions }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 (the Tui Vuda) drinks first}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133  said the Plaintiff }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
because he is the Turaga Taukei.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 He holds the higher title (than our own Chief)}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 .
\par 
\par [55] \tab Historically the Tui Vuda was instrumental in raising the money to re-purchase the island.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
Monies were raised said the witnesses by the people of Namara also, which they had to work for.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 But then the Tui Vuda\rquote s people also contributed.
\par 
\par [56] \tab Nothing turns on the naming of the Province for the yavusa since both Namara and Vuda fell into the original province of Ba and Yasawa.
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 [57] \tab 
As was clear from the evidence given by Isireli Dawai before Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the Native Land Commissioner in 1925, three groups of people made up the Namara people on Wayasewa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The first group were the Kai Yabola, a dissident group from Vuda.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 They built a temple on Vomo, and built Namara on a hill on Wayasewa.
}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 A second group came from Solevu, Malolo.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 They also settled on Wayasewa.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The third group came to Namara because of a falling out amongst the chiefs at Vuda.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
As a result, a chiefly brother Tavutunawai was offered sovereign rights at Namara.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The Namara chiefs are descended from him.
\par 
\par [58] \tab Isireli Dawai ended his evidence before Ratu Sir Lala by saying:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 But Mr Wilkinson\rquote s Land Commission
 put land ownership by mataqalis.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
The Mataqali boundaries have been ascertained and the members of each Mataqali are also known in the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya and likewise the Tokatoka of each person.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 [59] \tab 
Nacanieli Nabukavou, who was a Commissioner of the Native Lands Commission gave evidence concerning the history of the yavusa and from where it originated.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
He exhibited various documents.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 He commented on the composition of the yavusa and said }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
This mix of peoples is not usual}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 .
\par 
\par [60] \tab He said }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 In NLC records we have 2 separate yavusas of Sabutoyatoya}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 .}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 He referred to the Turaga ni Yavusa of Sabutoyatoya of Namara and the Turaga ni Yavusa of Sabutoyatoya of Viseisei.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 He indicated he knew of another such situation where lands were owned in common and where other lands were owned separately by the two yavusas.
\par 
\par [61] \tab He referred to the NLC records and said }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 There was another yavusa listed under Sabutoyatoya for Viseisei.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 They fall into the Waya District, but they pay allegiance to the Tui Vuda.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 This is not to s
ay that the Tui Vuda is a member of the same yavusa}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 .
\par 
\par [62] \tab It was after this witness\rquote  evidence that Mr Rabo said }{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 It has been put beyond doubt by documentation that the yavusas are separate.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 This is the main issue.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 It appears to be overwhelming evidence}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133 "}{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 .}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 An adjournment was requested to seek further instructions from his client.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 This adjournment was granted.
\par 
\par [63] \tab I find that the two yavusas are indeed separate.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 I also find that they are owners in common of the freehold title to Vomo Island.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 When the Tui Vuda of the day asked his people to raise the re-purchase money for Vomo, it must have been done to help his subjects on Wayasewa who used Vomo.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 He and his tokatokas would gain in various ways from this communal effort, but the re-purchase would not have been done to exclude the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya of Namara.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 I am certain he did so to benefit his people on Wayasewa also.
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8944752 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 How is the freehold to be governed?
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 [64] \tab 
At the moment the NLTB acts as Trustee for the yavusa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The NLTB has perpetual suc
cession and could prove a less cumbersome trusteeship and with more experience than individual trustees if drawn from the yavusa.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
However the yavusa could seek outside trustees since this is not native land.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 In Volavola I understand the court eventually appointed alternative or additional trustees.

\par 
\par [65] \tab Seeing no discord in the unruffled co-existence of written law with customary law in Fiji, I conclude that all dealings with the freehold are to be conducted in accordance with those written laws and the common law of Fiji.}{
\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
But as between the owners in common, the two yavusas and their members, such succession and other interests as between themselves should be governed in accordance with customary law as already established in Fiji.
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8944752 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 How is the income to be distributed?

\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 [66] \tab 
Since there are clearly two yavusas to share the proceeds, I find that the income should be distributed on the basis of a 50% share to each yavusa.
\par 
\par [67] \tab This was not native land and so it does not follow that the Defendant may make a statutory deduction as provided for by section 14 of the Native Land Trust Act.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
The matter of fees and charges should be subject to negotiation and a percentage figure agreed commensurate with the work carried out as non-statutory Trustee.
\par 
\par [68] \tab Distribution should follow the arrangements laid down in Regulation 11 of the Native Land Trust (Leases and Licences) Regulations Cap. 134. 
\par 
\par [69] \tab Finally it is to be observed that it is difficult to understand why the people of Namara and Wayasewa were disregarded for so long from the advantages of ownership of the freehold of Vomo.
\par 
\par [70] \tab The mere raising of their interests by having to come to court was itself a great embarrassment to the Plaintiff and to the persons he represented.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
The Plaintiff said it was a breach of protocol.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
The Appeals Tribunal recorded in 1990 that the then Tui Vuda had authorised the inclusion of the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya of Wayasewa in the distribution along with his Yavusa Sabutoyatoya of Viseisei.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 Of course in law no such amendment was necessary.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
The Yavusa Sabutoyatoya were always entitled to ownership and any income from the freehold.
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 [71] \tab 
Yet no-one was called forward to testify why official recognition had never been given, and why the islands of Wayasewa were denied their lawful share in the bounty from the tourist lease.}{\fs24\insrsid14705530\charrsid15411133  }{
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 I am not asked to right all of that wrong.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8944752 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 Result
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par [72] \tab In the result I make the following orders:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 CT Register 12 Folio 1019, the land title to Vomo Island, which includes the islands of Vomolevu and Vomolailai is a freehold.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The subject freehold is owned by the two yavusas, Sabutoyatoya [Viseisei] and Sabutoyatoya [Wayasewa] as owners in common.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The two yavusas are separate yavusas.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 The income from the subject freehold is to be distributed on the basis of 50% of the income to each yavusa.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 With the two yavusas, distribution should follow the distribution as laid down in Regulation 11 of the Native Land Trust (Leases and Licences) Regulations Cap. 134.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15411133 {
\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 Liberty to the parties to apply for directions on Trusteeship, distribution or correction of title matters.
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133 
\par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 A.H.C.T. GATES
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14705530 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15411133\charrsid14705530 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid15411133\charrsid15411133 
Solicitors for the Plaintiff: Messrs Vuataki & Associates.
\par Solicitors for the Defendant: Messrs Esesimarm & Co.
\par }}