Sia'aga v OF Nelson Properties Ltd [2008] WSCA 1; CA 04 of 2008 (8 September 2008)

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF SAMOA
HELD AT APIA

CA 04/08

IN THE MATTER:
of the Appeal under the Judicature Ordinance 1961 & Part III of the Court of Appeal Rules 1961.

BETWEEN:

SALU SIA’AGA, LELEISI’UAO OTINERU, SAVEA ‘AU, LEMOA ESEKA,
LATU ASO, MATA’AFA TU’UUTA, MA’I MEKI, AUTAGAVAIA UIESE and TOLUONO PENE,
TOLUONO FETI, TOLUONO MAMERE, TOLUONO HAN, TOLUONO NOME,
being true heirs of TOLUONO MATENA LEAL’IFANO, all Matais; appearing personally and
in their capacity as representatives of Alii & Faipule of Vailoa, Palauli,
under Rule 36 of the Supreme Court (Civil Procedure Rules) 1981.
Appellants

AND:

O.F . NELSON PROPERTIES LIMITED,
a company duly registered & having its registered office at Apia,
and carrying on business at Palauli, Savaii.
Respondent

Coram: The Honourable Justice Baragwanath
The Honourable Justice Slicer
The Honourable Justice Fisher

Counsel: LT Malifa for Appellants
TK Enari for Respondent

Minutes: 08 September 2008

MINUTES OF THE COURT

[1] The arguments of the appellants seek to raise questions concern the title of the respondent to land which the respondent says is European land and the appellant says is "native oblique customary" land.

[2] We direct service of the proceedings upon the ground laws to enable the Attorney General to decide whether the crown counsel should be instructed to appear before this Court at a fixture at 2pm on Tuesday 16th September 2008.

Honourable Justice Baragwanath
Honourable Justice Slicer
Honourable Justice Fisher