prove that they the original holders
were
of the
land at the time of the occupation of the Island,
or their
assignees
or
descendants, the Commissioners thought that considerable liberality should be shown by the granting of
long
leases.
They expressed the opinion that although licensed Squatters, i.e. squatters to whom a licence has been granted by the Crown, possess no confirmed just claims to be in their holdings, still that some preference should be given to them, and if disturbed that they should receive compensation and be allowed the value of any improvements made by them.
The Commissioners considered that trespassers of long standing, especially those