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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12989327 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 [2000] 1 FLR 58
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7282904 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7282904\charrsid9657505 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117123 IN THE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid219625 HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid9657505 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid219625 SOLOMONI CAVUNISAUTU NAIDUKI
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid9657505 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989327 v}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid12989327 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid9657505 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989327 NATIVE LAND TRUST BOARD
\par AND}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 FIJI ADVENTIST FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2771474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618 High Court Civil Jurisdiction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 Byrne, J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 Civil Jurisdiction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15992329 25 April 2000}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 HBC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618  0065/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 98
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 
Striking out - no reasonable cause of action - observations on drafting of pleading - observations on the traditional approaches plaintiffs may make if they believe their rights have been denied by the First defendant -}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 Native Lands Trust Act s4; Native Land Trust Ordinance 1905 s8; Orders of}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid219625  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 Executive}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9991339 Council 20 January, 1930 & 5}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625  Fe}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9991339 bruary, 1932; Limitation Act s4;}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
\par The plaintiffs filed a Writ seeking declarations claiming breach of fiduciary duty by the first defendant, breach of
 duty by the second defendant in permitting its sub-lessees to conduct commercial business on an agricultural sub-lease and an order for 70% of rent received. The first defendant filed an application to strike out the Statement of Claim as disclosing no r
easonable cause of action.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  - (1) where all s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12210203 ub-leases granted by the First D}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 efendant have been authorised by law, the Statement of Claim discloses no ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625 use of action }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 against }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625 either defendant.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 (2) Statement of Claim is a conglomeration of allegations 
of fact, unnecessary verbiage, opinion and legal arguments and bad pleadings and amendment to comply with basic rules of pleadings could not cure it}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4072904 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 (3) In the absence of particulars of dates of alleged breaches of contract, in view of the impossibility of ascertaining when}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 the cause of action had begun to run under the Limitation Act, and the diffic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12210203 ulty it would allow the Second D}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 efendant to reply in a defence, paragraph 9 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 of the S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
tatement of Claim is struck out but the action as a whole is struck out.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 Obiter Dicta:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12210203  If the P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 laintiffs believe their rights}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12210203  have been denied by the First D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 efendant then they should approach the Board and make their complaint}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4072904 s in the traditional Fijian way.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
\par 
\par Claim against }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 the defendants is misconceived.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  Action struck out.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 Cases referred to in judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221\charrsid5465221 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 appr }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid16736087 Neumi Naquira v Native Land Trust Board and Ors}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505  HBC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 375}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618 /
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 1
\par appr }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid16736087 Serupepeli Dakai No. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505\charrsid16736087 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3884955  & 11 O}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid16736087 rs v}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505\charrsid16736087  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid16736087 
Native Land Development Corporation & Ors}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505\charrsid16736087  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 (1983) 29 FLR 92 & H}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 BC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 543}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2911618 /}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 79
\par appr }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid16736087 Mosese Radreu v Emperor Gold Mining Company Limited}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid16736087  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 (1978) 24 FLR}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  107
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12989327 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12989327 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12210203 [}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12210203\charrsid7282904 note:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
 the Plaintiff acted with authority as a representative for an on behalf of the Yavusa }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 Nawaibuta}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625  of 9 Mataq}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
alis namely Navunikavika, Nakilitoka, Nataubale, Nakorovou, Naduruvesi, Nakabi, Navunisinu, Naveikilaisautu and Matakalokalo all of the District of Namalata in the Province of Tailevu and who}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5065169 
 are the native owners of NL 28/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 158 called }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid3629357 "Levukana"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 contained in the Register of Native Land Section 6.]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2771474 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1734424\charrsid12989327 Tui Savu fo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327 r the plaintiffs

\par Grahame E}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1734424\charrsid12989327 . Leung fo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16736087\charrsid12989327 r the First defendant}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid12989327 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327 Tevita Fa for the Second defendant
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid5465221 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 25 April 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16736087 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid219625 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2771474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16736087\charrsid16736087 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid219625 Byrne, J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid9657505 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
Were it not for the conclusion I have reached that the Statement of Claim in this case discloses no cause of action against either of the Defendants I would have ordered it to be amended so as to show some compliance with at least the basic rules of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 pleadi
ng. As it stands it is a conglomeration of allegations of fact, unnecessary verbiage, opinion and legal arguments. All too frequently I have had to complain about the quality of pleadings prepared by a small number of practitioners appearing before this C
ourt. My comments in what I hoped in each case would be helpful to the practitioners concerned have unfortunately generally speaking been ignored, true to the maxim that bad habits are hard to break.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid219625\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 When pleadings are badly drawn it makes the task of the 
Court considering them and the pleader's opponents difficult either to understand them or to draft satisfactory responses and I am surprised that more complaints are not made by practitioners whose pleadings comply with the rules in respect of pleadings w
h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3629357 ich do not. With}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  those preliminary remarks I turn to the present action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 The Writ herein was issued on the 23rd of January 1998 and basically asserts that the Plaintiff is a representative of nine Mataqalis in the District of Namalata in the Province of T
ailevu who are the nati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3629357 ve owners of Native Lease 28/15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 8 called "Levukana" contained in the Register of Native Land Section 6.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 The Statement of Claim alleges that the Head Lease for "Levukana" was originally between the native owners, presumably the Plaintiffs}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  predecessors, as Lessors and John Cronin and Alfred Kienge as Lessees which was registered}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
on or about the 15th of September 1912 for a period of 99 years beginning on the 13th of May 1910 and due to expire on the 13th of May 2011 for a yearly rental of Twenty-Eight Pounds and Eleven Pence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 The original Lessees were granted an agricultural lease over "Levukana" and over the years it was transferred to various people until on or about the 11}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3629357 th of December 1967}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  when it was transferred to the Australian
 Conference Association Limited, a Company registered in the State of New South Wales, Australia, for the consideration of the sum of Twenty-Th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid331741 ree Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 Two Pounds Ten Shillings and Ten Pence with the consent of the First Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7486753 On the 7th of J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
une 1940, the First Defendant was established by the Native Land Trust Ordinance which, in Section 4, vested control of all native leases throughout Fiji in the Board. The provisions of the Native Land Trust Ordinance were incorporated in th
e Native Land Trust }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15345971 Act Cap. 134 in the Legislative }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 Revision of 1985.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840 Th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
e Plaintiffs then allege that the First Defendant was negligent in not carrying out a review of rental periodically as required, alternatively that if the First Defendant considered t
here was no need to review rentals for any given period then it should have consulted the Plaintiffs and informed them of its reasons for so not reviewing.
\par 
\par Over the years sub-leases were granted to various persons engaged in commercial businesses and the 
Plaintiffs allege that as the tenancy was agricultural in the first place any sub-leasing to commercial businesses was and is a breach of the terms of the original lease.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 The Plaintiffs allege that some time in 1988 all the Defendants met to regularise the breaches allegedly committed in the past but the Plaintiffs were not officially informed of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
the decision reached in this meeting to divide the rent in such a way as to exclude altogether the Plaintiffs from a share in any such rents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1912840\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 The Plaintiffs then
 seek various declarations claiming breach of a fiduciary duty by the First Defendant, a breach of duty by Second Defendant in permitting its sub-lessees to conduct commercial business on an agricultural sub-lease and an order that the Plaintiffs receive 
70% of the total amount received in rent over the period concerned.
\par 
\par Both Defendants have applied to have the Statement of Claim struck out on the ground that it discloses n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15345971 o reasonable cause of action.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
\par 
\par On behalf of the First Defendant it is claimed that t
he Native Land Trust Board has no duty to consult native land owners in dealings with their land because Section 4 of the Native Land Trust Act makes the Board a trustee of such land for the benefit of the Fijian owners.
\par 
\par Section 4(1) reads as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2363789\charrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2363789 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
"The control of all native land shall be vested in the Board and all such land shall be administered by the Board for the benefit of the Fijian owners."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2363789 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2363789\charrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2771474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 In h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2363789 is unreported ju}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2973987 dgment of the 1st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2363789  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 of October 1991 in Civil Action 375 of 1991 }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2973987 Neumi Naquira v. Native Land Trust Board and Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
 Fatiaki J. so held affirming what Kermode J. had earlier said in Civil Action No. 543 of 1979 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2973987 Serupepeli Dakai No.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505\charrsid2973987  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2973987\charrsid2973987 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2973987 
 and 11 Others v. Native Land Development Corporation and Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 . This was confirmed when }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid5465221 Dakai}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474  went to the Court of Appeal. This is reported in 29 FLR 92. At p. 99 the Court said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5707909 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327 "Ground 3 raises the plea that the appellants were entitled to have a say in the ter}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221\charrsid12989327 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327 s of the trust. No argument was advanced in support of this ground but we take it to
 mean that individuals are entitled to be consulted by the Board before it exercises its statutory powers of control, particularly in granting leases of native land. This is clearly not so - the Board alone has the power, and any consultations prior to au
thorising leases may have been merely a public relations exercise and have led}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221\charrsid12989327 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327  as Kermode}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5707909\charrsid12989327  J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10292700 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5707909\charrsid12989327  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327 believes, to a mistaken belief by individual members that they are entitled to be consulted." (emphasis added)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5707909 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5707909\charrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2771474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12670505 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12670505 
Mosese Radreu v. Emperor Gold Mining Company Limited}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12670505  (1978) 24 FLR 107 Williams J. confirmed the meaning of Section 4(1) of the Native Land Trust Act when he said at p.108:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5707909\charrsid12670505 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5707909 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12670505 
"In other words it makes the Board legal owners of all native land as trustees for the Fijian owners."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2771474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5707909\charrsid12670505 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12670505 
I therefore conclude from these authorities that the First Defendant has no duty in law to consult with land owners before it makes any decisions affecting native land held in trust for them.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533\charrsid12670505 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12670505 The First Defendant does not deny that commercial leases over the land concerned have been granted over the years but says that all these have been authorised by law.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 Section 8 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
the Native Land Trust Ordinance 1905 allowed native owners with the consent of the Governor-in-Council to lease portions of their native lands. Annexed to an affidavit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505  of Viliame Kadi sworn on the 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
st of July 1998 on behalf of the First Defendant are copies of two orders made by the Executive Council on the 20th of January 1930 and 5th of February 1932 approving the sub-leasing by the lessee
s of "Levukana" to Europeans and other persons for business and agricultural purposes respectively.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 In the ensuing years sub-leasing arrangements were approved by the Acting Director of Lands pursuant to Orders by the Governor-in-Council and copies of these approvals are also ann}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5465221 exed to the affidavit of Viliam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
e Kadi. With the establishment of the First Defendant sub-leasing was given from one person to another in like manner over the years until the 8th of August 1986 when the land was transferred to the Second Defendant.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
I am satisfied even at this stage that all sub-leases granted by the First Defendant have been authorised by law and accordingly the Statement of Claim discloses no cause of action against the First Defendant.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 The position of the Second Defendant is much simpler. It submits that paragraphs 1 to 8 of the Statement of Claim allege no cause of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 action against the Se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533 co}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 nd Defendant. These paragrap}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533 hs recite the history of the lan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
d and its transfers and it is only when we come to paragraph 9 that the Plaintiffs allege the sub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
leases were in breach of the head lease conditions in that they were for commercial businesses. No dates are given by the Plaintiffs as to when the alleged breach or breaches occurred so that the Second Defendant claims, in m
y view correctly, that it is impossible for it to ascertain when the cause of action agains}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7174907 t it might have begun to run. U}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
nder Section 4 of the Limitation Act a cause of action based on a breach of contract must be brought within six years. In the absence 
of particulars of the dates on which these alleged breaches occurred I consider that paragraph 9 as it stands must be struck out. In my judgment also paragraph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 9 is very badly drafted and in its present form makes it difficult for the Second Defendant to reply to it in a Defence. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13656894\charrsid2771474 On}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
 the material so far before me I am satisfied that the sub-leases granted to the Second Defendant are valid and that the action against it must also be dismissed. I therefore order that the Statement of Claim be struck out a
s disclosing no cause of action against either the First or Second Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16406533\charrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 If the Plaintif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid2771474 
s believe their rights have been denied by the First Defendant then there is no reason in my view why they should not approach the Board and make their complaint
s in the traditional Fijian way. As a matter of law however in my judgment their claim against the Board and the Second Defendant is misconceived. In the circumstances I shall make no order for costs against the Plaintiffs.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9657505 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7282904 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid9657505 Application granted.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6885644 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2771474\charrsid12989327 Marie Chan
\par }}