United Kingdom - Ireland
Oct. 10, 1975 - Judge leaves for a journey to the south seas to view evidence in a south sea islands dispute. The Chancery Division made a break with tradition today when Mr Justice MeGarry, 65, left the law Courts to start his journey halfway round the world to view evidence in the South Sea Islands trial which has already last for 72 days. The trial involves a multi million pound claim by a group of Islanders, Banabans, against the British Government and others over phosphate mining. The Banabans lived on Ocean Island until phosphate mining devoured so much of the surface that they were found a new home 1, 600 miles away on Rabi. Now that mining is nearing the end they claim the phosphate commissioners have a duty to restore the land fi for coconut farming. Photo shows Mr. Justice McGarry (left) accompanied by his clerk, Mr. Arthur Bradford as they left the Law Courts today for Heathrow Airport where both will fly off on the first stage of their journey to the South Seas
