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{\author Teniau_d}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo9\dy23\hr14\min10}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy2\hr12\min25}{\version140}{\edmins1146}{\nofpages6}{\nofwords3465}{\nofchars19751}{\*\company USP, Emalus Campus}{\nofcharsws23170}
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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2128637 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294874 IN THE SUPREM}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 E }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 COURT OF FIJI
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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 )}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12080718 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559\charrsid12926013 CIVIL JURISDICTION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid12926013 

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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2128637 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 Action No.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 190 of 1975
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2128637 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 MOSESE RADREU}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 AND
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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 Plaintiffs}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2128637 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 1. EMPEROR GOLD MINING COMP}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 ANY LIMITED}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 
\par 2. EMPEROR TIMBER INDUSTRIES COMPANY LIMITED
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 Defendants
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2128637 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 NAT}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13853206 I}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 VE LAND TRUST BOARD
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 Third Party
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid3749568 Mr. S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14495328  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid3749568 M. Koya, Counsel for the Plaintiffs
\par Mr. B.C. Patel, Counsel for the 1st and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12336935 2nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14495328  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294874 Defendants
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid3749568 Mr. A.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294874  Kato, Counsel fo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid3749568 r the Third Party.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2128637 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid2128637 JUDGMENT}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568\charrsid2128637 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3749568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2128637\charrsid3749568 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12462221 This action arises out of the defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12462221 
 tree felling operations on native land near Nadarivatu in the Western Division.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3749568 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3832512 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12462221 The plaintiffs, a landowning mataqali, allege in para 1 of their Statement of Claim that the land affected is native land}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1640442  near the Ko
roboya Forest and that they own it. They claim in para 7 that without the consent and authority}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid814114  of the plaintiffs the defendants have felled 451,472 super feet worth $33,860.40c at $7.50 per}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8548345  super }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14495328 feet }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8548345 between 1/8/75 and 5/11/75. In other words the defenda
nts have trespassed on the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8548345 
 land. That sum is claimed as liquidated damages along with a claim for general damages coupled with a prayer that the defendants be restrained from pursuing their logging operations on the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8548345  land.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2124734 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3832512 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14831167 It is not
 disputed that the defendants hold a timber concession from the Native Land Trusts Board, hereinafter called the Board, under an agreement Exhibit D.3, dated 28.5.71, made between the defendants and the Board. The defendants plead that the timber concessi
on, Exhibit D.3, lawfully entitled them to carry out their logging operations. They admit, in para 7 of the defence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14495328 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14831167 
 removing 427,462 log feet and allege payment to the Board of $4287.00 in royalties. There is a counter claim but the defendants abandoned it
 during the trial. As an alternative the defendants plead that the Board warranted that they had the authority to grant the concession and that the defendants are entitled to be indemnified by the Board if found guilty of trespass and they joined the Boar
d as a third party.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3832512 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1126426 
It would be as well to point out at this stage that a timber concession is simply an authority or licence from the Board to enter upon native land in order to fell and remove trees. It does not amount to a lease or such like disposition of land.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3832512 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1126426 The Board, as third part}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4671771 
y, allege that under the Native Land Trust Ordinance they have authority to grant timber concessions on all native land without the consent of any mataqali. Alternatively they state that the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2124734 
s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4671771 consented to the concession being granted. At the beginning of the trial the Board agreed with the plaintiffs that this was native reserve which is a special category of native land.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1126426 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3832512 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4671771 Annexed to the concession, Exhibit D.3, is a plan showing the boundaries of the timber concession which is oblong in shape and extending }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705205 
north/south longitudinally and overlapping the land of three mataqalis although the agreement makes no reference to any mataqali. Exhibit D.6 is an enlargement of part of the aforesaid plan which presents the timber concession covers 2462 acres of land }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649849 belonging to mataqali Nabunisiga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705205 ; south of this it embraces 4,926 acres of land belonging to mataqali V}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649849 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705205 rara and the southern most tip is on land belonging to the plaintiffs covering 770 acres.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4671771 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705205 
\par I will first consider the contention of the Board that they have authority to grant timber concessions on all native land without the consent of the mataqali land-owners. I am adopting this course because the plaintiffs agree that their 770 acres of land 
fa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1075139 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705205 l within the concession granted under Exhibit D.3. If the Board do requi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15026274 
re the consent of the plaintiffs in granting timber concessions to logging companies then the issue will arise as to whether the plaintiffs consented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705205 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15026274 
\par The onus }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 of arguing the extent of the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
s authority to grant timber concessions was undertaken by Mr. B.C. Patel the advocate for the defendants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15026274 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
\par The Board is a creature of statute namely the Native Land Trust Ordinance, Cap. 115 and the extent of its powers can only be expressed under that Ordinance.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9708559 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16280413  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 4(1) of the Native Land Trust Ordinance, Cap. 115 states }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16280413 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6516489 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3541284 4.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 (1). The control for 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\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3749568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9518766 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 In other words it makes }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16280413 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
Board legal owners of all native land as trustees for the Fijian owners.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9518766 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
\par By definition, as set out in S.2, which I will refer to later, native land includes native reserve }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15205404 and Part III of the Ordinance deals specifically with native reserve }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5863932\charrsid5863932 curtailing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15205404  the powers of the Board in dealing with native reserve as opposed to other native land.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6516489 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15205404 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 Part III of the Ordinance is headed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 Native Reserves}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247  and comprises Sections 16 to 18 inclusive. S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16280413  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 16(1) and (2) state as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708890  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15205404 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12064247 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
S.16(1). Subject to the provisions of the Crown Acquisition of Lands Ordinance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708890 , the Forest Ordinance,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
 the Oil Mines Ordinance, the Mining Ordinance and to the provisions of this section, no land in any native reserve shall be leased or otherwise disposed of.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9121021 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12064247 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
(2) Leases or licences may with the consent of the native owners be granted by the Board to native Fijians in accordance with regulations made under S.33 of this Ordinance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12064247 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659901 Mr. B.C. Patel submitted that under S.16(1) the power of the Board to grant 
licences on native reserve land was not limited except by the ordinances referred to in S.16(1) and he laid emphasis on the Forest Ordinance, Cap. 128.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12064247 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13898535 
\par Subsection (1) of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3541284 S.16(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13898535 supra)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10639096  does not refer to licences but to the disposal or alie}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16280413 nation of native reserve. Licenc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10639096 es are covered by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3541284 S.16(}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10639096 2).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13898535 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10639096 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10639096\charrsid90872 
Mr. Koya, for the Plaintiffs, argued that S.16(3) requires the Board to obtain the consent of the Fijian owners, which under S.16(3)(c), is obtained in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations under }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16596504\charrsid90872 S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid90872  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16596504\charrsid90872 33, or
 in the absence of such a regulation then consent of the Fijian owners will be obtained}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923574\charrsid90872  in such a regulation then consent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923574 
 of the Fijian owners will be obtained in such manner as the Board considers appropriate. However, S.16(3), unlike S.16(2), refers only to leases and not to licenses of native reserve land and therefore it does not}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12737845  help in ascertaining the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12737845 
s authority in regard to granting licences. Moreover S.16(3) is solely concerned with dispositions
 of native reserve to the Land Development Authority and to no one else; therefore it has no reference to commercial enterprises such as the defendants and does not apply to these proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10639096 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12737845 
\par S.16(2), which deals with the granting of leases and licences on native reserve expressly limits such grants to one class of persons namely native Fijians. It does not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8617590 
permit licences on native reserve to be granted to non-Fijians, and this approach is endorsed by S.16(3) which permits leases of native reserve to be granted to the Land Development Authority }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8617590 as if it were}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12015416  a native Fijian.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12015416 
 In addition }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8617590 S.16(3)(a) forbids the Land Development Authority from subletting or disposing of such land except to a native Fijian.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12737845 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8617590 
\par Thus Part III of the Ordinance limits the powers of the Board to grant leases and licences of native reserve to one class namely Native Fijians. If the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1006652  has}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8617590  authority to grant licences on native }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282022 reserve to the defendants or to any persons other than native Fijians it will have to be found elsewhere 
in the Native Land Trust Ordinance and the Board argue that it is found in the Forest Ordinance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8617590 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282022 
\par Licences to fell trees are governed by the Forest Ordinance, Cap.128. Section 33(1) thereof, authori}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14633996 ses}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282022 
 the Conservator to issue licences to fell trees but S.33(2) requires the prior consent of the Board in the case of native land. S.2 of the Forest Ordinance defines native land as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14633996 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282022 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8741788 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8741788 
land which is neither Crown land nor the subject of a Crown or native grant but includes land granted to a mataqali under S.18 of the Native Land Trust Ordinance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8282022 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8741788 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8741788 
\par The same definition of native land is contained in S.2 of the Native Land Trust Ordinance which also includes the definition of native reserve as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8741788 
land set aside and proclaimed as such under the provisions of this Ordinance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8741788 
\par 
\par Land is set aside as native reserve under S.18(1) of the Native Land Trust Ordinance which empowers the Governor General to set aside land for the use of a mataqali as native reserve. Thus the definitions of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9121021 native land in the Forest Ordinance and the Native Land Trust Ordinance include native reserve.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8741788 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9121021 
\par The land which is the subject of this action has been accepted by the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14633996 third }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9121021 party at the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7997841 
beginning of the trial as being native reserve for the purposes of these proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9121021 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7997841 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12677312 
S.33(2)(3) and (4) of the Forest Ordinance requires the Conservator to obtain the consent of the Board, or the Director of Lands or the registered owner or lessee before he can issue a licence to fell trees 
on native land, Crown Land or freehold land as the case may be. Thus the Forest Ordinance treats the Board in the same }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1983358 
way as any other owner or registered lessee in requiring the Conservator to obtain the owner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1983358 
s consent before he issues a licence to fell timber on their lands. The Conservator does not require }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15282348 the mataqali}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15282348 s consent but that of the Board which is vested with legal ownership by virtue of S.4 of the Native Land Trust Ordinance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7997841 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15282348 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10510995 The Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10510995 s wide po
wers over native land are emphasised by S.5 of the Native Land Trust Ordinance which forbids Fijian owners of native land from in any way disposing of, transferring or charging their own land without the Board}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10510995 s consent and any agreement purporting to do s
o without such consent is null and void. It is worth noting that native land in S.5 includes native reserve.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15282348 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10510995 
\par For the purposes of these }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090293 proceedings S.7 of the Native Land Trust Ordinance reads,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10510995 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090293 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8090293 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090293 S.7. Subject to the p}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 rovisions of \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8090293 the Fo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14633996 rest Ordinance}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559  \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761388 
 no licence in respect of native land shall be granted save under and in accordance with the provisions of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14633996  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761388 this Ordinance.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761388 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7761388 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761388 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13138651 Section 8(1) of the Native Land Trust Ordinance which empowers the Board to grant leases and licences of native land excludes native reserve. It reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13064511 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13138651 
S.8(1). Subject to the provisions of the next succeeding section, it shall be lawful for the Board to grant leases or licences of portions of native land not included in a native reserve for such purposes and sub
ject to such terms and conditions as to renewals or otherwise as may be prescribed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14831167 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3749568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 
\par Section 9 merely enacts that the Board has to be satisfied that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13639970 the grant of a lease or licence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 
 is not adverse to the interests of the Fijian owners. It does not set out any special procedure to be adopted by the Board in order to ensure that the interests of Fijian owners shall not be adversely affected.
\par 
\par The parties}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108  advocates in presenting submissions did not refer to Section 8(1).
\par 
\par When Mr. Koya argued that the Board required the consent of the plaintiffs before granting the timber concession his submission was, in my view, only correct if the land is native reserve. Th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 
e combined effect of sections 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 (1) and Part III of the Native Land Trust Ordinances is to limit the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 s pow}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 ers of gr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 
ting timber concessions on native reserve to native Fijians. Hence in purporting to grant the concession to the defendants the Board were, if it is native reserve, exceeding their powers under the Native Lan
d Trust Ordinance unless they are saved by any other Ordinance. Mr. B. C. Patel submits that they are saved by the Forest Ordinance.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 Section 16}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 (1), of the Native Land Trust Ordinance is subject to the provisions of the Forest Ordinance}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464433  but it would be strange if the Forest Ordinance vested powers in the Board in relation to native reserve beyond those vested in it by the Native Land Trust Ordinance which created the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 Board. In fact it would be strange if the Forest Ordinance vested any powers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464433  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 in the Board }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464433 because it is only concerned with the Board in the same way as any other landowner.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1847108 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 
\par The Forest Ordinance is intended to protect the forests of Fiji from being denuded of tre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3416075 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 
s and Section 33 controls logging operators by requiring them to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4860143 obtain licenses}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 
 from the Conservator who can only issue them a licence to fell trees if the land owner consents. Thus Section 33(2) of the Forest Ordinance states,
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3416075 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 (}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16211775 2) A licence relating to native }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 land shall only be issued with the prior consent of the Native Land Trust Board.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3749568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 
\par Licences under the Forest Ordinance differ from those granted under the Native Land Trust Ordinance. Timber concessions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 
 issued by the Board authorise a grantee to take timber from the land but this is of no effect unless the Conservator issue}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3416075 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231  a tree felling licence. A 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 Forest Licence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 
 merely permits the felling of trees which would otherwise be illegal under the Forest Ordinance. It falls into a similar category as other licences viz., to use a motor vehicle on a road, to posse
ss firearms, sell alcohol etc. The Conservator cannot permit a licencee to remove the logs; he merely authorises the act of felling. The logs can only be removed by the landowners, in this case the Board, or the person to whom they conceded that right, in
 this case the defendants. Therefore a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 Forest Licence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 , cannot usurp the land owner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 
s proprietory rights by purporting to permit the licencee to remove the land owner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid231 s timber. Hence if a person, including the Board, mistakenly }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558793 grants a timber concession }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851 thinking that he owns the land the subsequent issue of a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851 Forest Licence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851 
 to the purported grantee does not make the concession lawful. The result is the same if the Board purports to grant a timber concession to a non-Fijian on native reserve thinking that it is non-reserve or in the mistaken belief that }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3416075 it }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851 has power to grant timber concession}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3416075 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3416075 on native reserve.
\par 
\par Therefore if this is native reserve that fact that the defendants hold a licence from the Conservator does not make the concession lawful}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10373210 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851 
 I conclude, with respect, that Mr. B. C. Patel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1709179 s submission fail}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5904851 s.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049747 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1709179 
\par To sum up:-
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558793 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1709179 Section 4 of the Native Land Trust Ordinance places the Board, as trustees, in the position of legal }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10359212 
owners of all native land including native reserve.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1709179 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10359212 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558793 Section 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10359212 (1) gives the Board an owner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10359212 s powers of leasing and licensing native land which is not native reserve.
\par 
\par Part III of the Ordinance bars the Board from granting rights over native reserves to any but native Fijians and also requires the Board to obtain the consent of the native landowners.
\par 
\par Those powers are not extended by the prov}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10373210 isions of the Forest Ordinance C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10359212 ap. 128.
\par 
\par In my view, the Board, on their admission that the land is native reserve acted ultra vires in purporting }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334 to grant the concession. If this is native reserve the defendants are trespassers.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10359212 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334 
\par My conclusion, if it be correct, raises problems in regard to the parties}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334 
 pleadings because they do not allege that the land in question is native reserve and this is important having regard to the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334 s limited 
powers of dealing with native reserve.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334\charrsid16215470 Submission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10373210\charrsid16215470 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334\charrsid16215470 
 of the parties were directed to whether or not the Board required the consent of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid546440\charrsid16215470 plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10373210\charrsid16215470  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6979203\charrsid16215470 in granting the concession. Although para 1 of the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6979203\charrsid16215470  reply to the defence alleges that the concession is void it gives no particulars}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6979203 
 of the basis for that allegation and Mr. Koya, for th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14690817 e pla}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6979203 intiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9403247 
, argued in support thereof by contending that the Board, as trustees needed the consent of the beneficiaries, i.e. the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8863773 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9403247 , b
efore granting the concessions. He stated that Section 16(3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6906671  made reference to the need for consent and submitted that the rules of equity obliged the Board to obtain the plaintiffs}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6906671  consent. By reason of Section 8(1) and Part III I would say, with respect
 to Mr. Koya, that his submissions appertaining to consent were superfluous in that if this is native reserve the Board could not, even with the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15295506 plaintiffs}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6906671  consent, grant such a concession to the defendants. If it is not native reserve then, in my view, consent of the mataqali is not required.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14880334 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6906671 
\par When I }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9071790 was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6906671 
considering my judgment I came upon Section 8(1) and requested the advocates to address me on the effect it had upon the pleadings and where, if at all, the onus lay in alleging that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11814901 
 the land was or was not native reserve. It took several weeks to get the parties together again to argue that aspect.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6906671 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11814901 
\par Mr. Koya then referred}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525  to para 7 of his Statement of Claim which alleges that consent of the plaintiffs had not been obtained, the impli
cation being that the reference to consent inferred that the land was native reserve. However, para 7 says that it was the defendants who had not sought the consent of the plaintiffs whereas the Ordinance places that obligation on the Board if the land is
 native reserve and not on the persons dealing with the Board. In any event if this is native reserve, the question of the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 
 consent is immaterial because }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9071790 the defendants cannot receive}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525  a concession on it. In my view there was no suggestion in the 
Statement of Claim that this was native reserve. It was simply pleaded as native land.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11814901 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 
\par Mr. Koya also submitted it was sufficient to allege that the acts of the defendants were }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9071790 unlawful}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 
 and that he had done so. If this is not native reserve there is no evidence that the defendants are trespassers; on the contrary the concession Exhibit D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5188121 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 3 provides evidence that they are not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15295506 trespassers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 . The Third Party}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 s admission that the land is native reserve cannot bind the defendants.
\par 
\par It is frequently sufficient inactions for trespass f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6175086 or the plaintiff to prove he has}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525  possession and leave it to the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14029203 defendant to justify his alleged acts of trespass.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5000525 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14029203 
\par The plaintiffs could not have been misled by the Third }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9071790 P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14029203 arty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14029203 s admission that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9071790 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14029203 his is na
tive reserve because they have throughout the proceedings assumed that the concession would have been lawful if the plaintiffs had consented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5056283  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8350871\charrsid870641 Where}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5056283\charrsid870641 as if this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8350871\charrsid870641 is }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5056283\charrsid870641 native reserve}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5056283  the defendants would be }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15295506 trespassers}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5056283  even if the plaintiffs had consented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11493693  Were the plai}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8350871 tiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 s relying on this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11493693 being native reserve a capable and }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 experienced lawyer such as Mr. Koya would have pleaded it. The pleading would have been unanswerable had it been proved. At this stage even if the plaintiffs were allowed to amend their State
ment of Claim so as to allege that this is native reserve or if I otherwise included an issue as to whether or not this is native reserve, there is no evidence on which one could hang such an amendment. Consequently I must proceed on the Statement of Clai
m as it stands which is that this }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid752768 is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 
native land and that the defendants are trespassers because the plaintiffs did not consent to their activities. The existence of the concession is a good answer to that claim. I find that the defendants are not trespassers provided the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid870641 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452  have kept to the territorial limits of their concession.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14029203 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 
\par The issue remaining is whether the defendants have been operating within the limits of their concession. This has been denied by the plaintiffs, but the latter have led no evidence 
on this issue. P.W.1, Tombia Senivalu, gave evidence as a member of the Mataqali. He }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 referred to the concession a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 rea shown}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847  in Exhibit D3 and st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9570958 ated that t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 
his mataqali were not approached for their consent. The absence of mataqali consent was the essence of his evidence, at no stage did he complain that the defendants had felled trees outside the concession area.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1652452 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 
\par P.W.2, Mosese Randru, who is acting as head of the plaintiff mataqali also gave evidence that the plaintiffs ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6763840 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 
 not been approached for their consent in the granting of the concession. He never suggested that the defendants had been felling outside the concession area.
\par 
\par The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8921908 plaintiffs put in Exhibit P.1, c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 onsisting of some correspondence between their solicitors and the Native Land Trust B}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6763840 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 
ard. Nowhere in those letters do the plaintiffs complain that the defendants were logging outside of the concessions area. They complain that the plaintiffs were not approached for their consent.
\par 
\par None of the letters complains that the concession had been illegally created over native reserve nor did the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847 
 witnesses make any mention of native reserve. The emphasis was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1116861 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1249847  as I have pointed out earlier in the
 judgment, directed to the complaint that the consent of the Mataqali had not been obtained.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528 
\par D.W.4, PECELI RINAKAMA, a Forest Ranger, stated in his evidence in chief that he ensured that the defendants kept within the limits of their timber concession when felling trees. He checks this whilst examining the area to record the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528\charrsid15938630 amount of timber cut down for the purpose of collecting the royalties payable under the agreement by the defendants to the Native Land Trust Board. In cross-examination it was not sugg
ested to him that the defendants had felled timber on the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528\charrsid15938630  land which was outside the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528  concession limits.
\par 
\par I find on the undisputed evidence of the defence witness, which was quite credible, that the defendants have not felled trees outside the concession area.
\par 
\par The Native Land Trust Board as Third Party called two witnesses whose evidence was directed towards proving that the plaintiffs ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15938630 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528 
 consented to the concession. Their evidence wa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1116861 s a little assistance because if}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528  this was not native reserve 
then consent of the plaintiffs was not required and if it is native reserve the concession would be unlawful whether the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1116861 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528 
 consented or not. During }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8739274 the evidence of the Third Party}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8739274 
s second witness there was an alteration at the Bar between Mr. Kat
o for the Third Party and Mr. Koya for the plaintiffs when the former was about to ask whether this was native reserve or not. Mr. Koya objected on the ground that the Third Party had agreed it was native reserve. Mr. Kato endeavoured to argue that the pr
oclamation in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8921908 
the Gazette was so badly worded that one could not be sure whether the area in question had been made native reserve and that in having agreed that this was native reserve he may have been in error. It was not suggested during that alteration 
that the defendants had agreed that this was native reserve and Mr. B.C. Patel for the defendants was not drawn into the discussion. Whatever the status of the land in question the Native Land Trust Board accepted from the outset that it was native reserv
e. But that admission does not help the plaintiffs in suing the defendants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680528 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8921908 
\par I find that as between the plaintiffs and the defendants the latter are the grantees of a concession to fell timber on native land. In the absence of evidence that it is native reserve I am unable to find that the concession is unlawful.
\par 
\par I find that the defendants have not felled trees outside the limits of their concession.
\par 
\par It follows that the plaintiffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8921908  claim fails and the question of the Third Party indemnify the defendants does not arise.
\par 
\par The plaintiffs will pay the costs of both defendants, and of the Third Party}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 . Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 
 cost to be on the higher scale.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8921908 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 
\par I would add that the Native Land Trust B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861276 oard should check whether this and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15295506 other}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 
 timber concessions are on native reserve.
\par 
\par I draw att}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3832512 ention to this because sometime}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855  ago I pointed out that the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 s practice of requiring a higher rent as the price of their consent to a transfer of a lease of native land was illegal. In spite of this Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9708559 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 s comment this illegal practice continues. The Fiji Court of Appeal has recently drawn attention to that illegal practice.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14366855 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855\charrsid14366855 (Sgd.) J. T. Williams
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3749568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 
\par LAUTOKA,
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855\charrsid14366855 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 th }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855\charrsid14366855 September}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14366855 , 1978}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9518766\charrsid3749568 
\par }}