(a) Before any action relating to controversies over communal land or matai titles may be commenced in the Land and Titles Division, each party shall file with his complaint a certificate signed and attested by the Secretary of Samoan Affairs or his deputy, in which the Secretary or his deputy affirms and states:
(1) that on at least 2 occasions, the parties have appeared personally before him and 2 persons designated by him, without an attorney or counsel, and that an attempt was made to resolve the controversy;
(2) that all parties to the controversy received at least 20 days notice for each of the 2 required appearances;
(3) the date and hour of the beginning and conclusion of each appearance;
(4) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary or his deputy and the 2 designees with respect to the controversy heard before them, including a statement of the reason why the controversy could not be resolved.
(b) The certification mentioned in subsection (a) may not be required prior to the issuance of a temporary restraining order issued by the Chief Justice or an Associate Justice to prevent the occurring of irreparable damage.
History: 1972, PL 12-59 § l; and 1973, PL 13-39.
Amendments: 1973 Designated original section subsection (a) and added subsection (b).