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\f38\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LABASA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Civil Action No: 002& 003/10
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 INTHE MATTER}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878  of an application under Order 113 of the High Court Rules 1988 }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 for an Order for Summary Proceedings for immediate vacant possession of land }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 and s 169 of the Land Transfer Act Cap.131
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 JOJI KAULETA
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 of the Yavusa Ketei of Waivunia Village, }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Savusavu, Turaga ni Yavusa Ketei.
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 PLAINTIFF
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 OSEA DAGAGA
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 of Waivunia Village, Savusavu, villager.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16411846 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846\charrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 PASTOR MOSESE VONO
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 of CMF Church, Waivunia Village Savusavu}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16411846 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846\charrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 CHRISTIAN MISSION FELLOWSHIP
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 a duly registered religious body
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 DEFENDANTS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 BEFORE}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 : MASTER ROBINSON. H ESQ.
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16411846 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 PLAINTIFF COUNSEL}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 : Mr. VAKALOLOMA . A
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 DEFENDANTS COUNSEL}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 : INPERSON
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 
\par Date of Ruling}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid16411846 : 28 May 2010.
\par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 RULING
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 (1) This is an application for vacant possession pursuant to Order 113 of the High Court Rules and under section 169 of the Land Transfer Act Cap. 131. 
\par 
\par (2). There is another related Matter which will be dealt with together with this ruling as it relates to the same set of facts and which arose from the same transaction. This matter is:- }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12920446\charrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12920446 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 1.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Joji Kauleta \endash v- Pastor Mosese Vono & Anor: CA No: 3/2010
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid12920446 BACKGROUND
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par (3). The Plaintiff is the Turaga ni Yavusa or head of the land owning unit known as Ketei in Savusavu, Vanua Levu. The Plaintiff\rquote s right to the land is derived from the Yavusa\rquote s entitlement to native land granted by the Native Land\rquote 
s Commission and which is claimed to have been Gazetted by the Native Land Trust Board on the 22 August 2002. The land in question is described in Schedule 1 of the said Gazette as Lot 33 on Plan F 22 & 4 and
 contains an area of 1122.36 hectares in the district of Nasavusavu, in Vanua Levu.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par 
\par (4). The Plaintiff claims that the Defendants have no right to remain on the land and take possession because their right on the land is derived from customary usage only.
\par 
\par (5). The Defendant Mr. Osea Dagaga claim that he has a right to remain on the land by a traditional exchange or gift the details of which is unclear to him but is known within the Fijian custom as }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
"}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 I Kanakana}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
. This a form of usage of native land derived from exchanges of services, traditional obligations or in some instances a form of dowry accompanying a bride of high rank. The }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 dowry}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
 of course is returnable at the death of the bride but sometimes remains in perpetuity depending on the strength of the relationship between the parties after marriage. The word }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Kanakana}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
 denotes a usage for the purpose of growing food to sustain the parties whose services are acknowledged. The word }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Kana}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878  literally means eat and }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 kanakana}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878  the source, in this instance, l
and from which one obtains food to eat.
\par 
\par (6). The Defendants further claim that their right to the land is also recognised and is gazetted by the Native Land Trust Board the details of which is unclear to them.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 The Defendant Mr. Osea Dagaga as a consequenc
e of the right of usage to the land allowed the Defendants Pastor Mosese Vono in CA No: 3/10 to build a church and residential property on the said land. He too is a member of the church.
\par 
\par (7). It appears that this form of usage is not, as far as the Plaintiff is concerned, the form allowed through custom and tradition and it is for this reason that the application is made.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid12920446 JURISDICTION
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par The first problem the Plaintiff is faced with is whether the High Court has jurisdiction to determine this matter. 
It is clear from the affidavit filed by the Plaintiff that the dispute relates to Native land and that there were decisions relating to the land being made by the}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Native Lands Commission, which confirms their ownership.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par 
\par It is also clear from the submissi
on made by both parties that a right of usage existed for the benefit of the Yavusa Wairuku from which the Defendant Osea Dagaga belongs. It is also clear from the decision of the Native Land Commission of 31 March 2010 that there is a traditional link be
tween the Yavusa\rquote s or clans from which the parties belong. A link the Commissioner thinks should be strengthened not weakened. In my view ownership of Native Land and customary right of usage are disputes which fell within the ambit of section 

\par 16 of the Native Lands (NLA) Act . Cap. 133.
\par 
\par Section 16 (1) of the said act states:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 (1) }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 In the event of any dispute arising the parties to which are Fijians in connection with land in a province or tikina in which the proprietorship of the Fijian owners has been as
certained by the Commission or in a province or tikina which it may be inconvenient or inexpedient for the Commission to visit without delay or in any other case when he may deem it expedient, the Minister may delegate a member of the Commission or some o
ther proper person to inquire into the same.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par Disputes regarding native land has come before the Civil Courts on numerous occasions and in all of them the Civil Courts have come to the conclusion that it does not have jurisdiction 
to hear disputes amongst native owners over ownership of native land. In the matter of }{\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Yavutu \endash v- Vunisa (2010) FJHC 18;HBC 318/08 (Lautoka)}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878  Justice Inoke states the position of the Court very clearly regarding the application of section 16(1) of the NLA Cap. 133 when he said at p3:- 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
The parties here are Fijians. The proprietorship of the land in dispute has been determined by the Chairman of the Native Lands Commission. The dispute in this case relates to the conditions of the allotment of the blocks co
mprising the land but it is nevertheless a }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 dispute}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878  within s16(1). That section requires that the Native Lands Commission or a delegate of it appointed by the Minister to enquire into it. This Court therefore has no jurisdiction}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 In }{\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 Namatua \endash v- Native Lands and Fisheries Commission (2005) FJCA 85}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
 the three Honourable Judges of the Court of Appeal consistently referred to the provision of section 16 of the Native Lands Act as the only proviso to be used in resolving disputes between Fijians in a dispute r
egarding land. In par. 31 of the above decision the Court said:-}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
In our view the originating summons is misconceived because the High Court has no Jurisdiction to deal with a dispute that may arise under s16 or an appeal to an Appeals Tribunal under section 7 of the NLA....}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 And again in par. 38 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 ...}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
The fact remains that the real question in controversy between the parties remains unresolved as to the boundaries. The only lawful way to resolve this is for the 1st Respondent to determine the issue under s 16 of the NLA}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878  . }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par It is clear from the above matters that any dispute regarding native land is a dispute that ought to be determined only by the Native Land\rquote s Commission.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid12920446 CONCLUSION
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par For the above reasons the originating summons is dismissed.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid12920446 ORDERS
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par The Orders are therefore as follows:-}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
1. The Plaintiffs applications for vacant possession in both actions are dismissed.
\par 2. I make no order as to costs.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par DATE of RULING: 28 May 2010.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 H ROBINSON
\par MASTER
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14484878 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14484878\charrsid14484878 
\par AT LABASA.
\par }}