SALES OF NATIVE LAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4244, 27 October 1874, Page 2

SALES OF NATIVE LAND.

The following circular memo, in re the Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act has been circulated by the Commissioner - In order to expedite the passing of deeds, it would be convenient if persons submitting them for Trust Commissioner’s certificate would furnish evidence on tho following points ;-rA. Whether any spirituous liquors, arms, or warlike stores formed, or (in event of unpaid instalments) shall form part of the consideration. B. Whether cash has been paid or not. O. 'What prices are charged where goods are given. D. Whether any fine or foregift diminishes the annual rent of leasehold properties which the deed refers t?. E. Whether there is sufficient Land outside the boundaries specified in the deed for the future wants of th« natives alienating. The above evidence should be either on oath or by statutory declaration. If it be not practicable to oltain the declarations of all the mortgagors, vendors, or lessors of a group, it will be sufficient if two or more of the principal natives in the transaction make the declarations relating to A ind D. In respect to B, the receipts (or certified copies) of the natives should be forwarded, In respect to C, if goods have formed part of the' consideration money or rent, ill items with their prices and dates of delivery should be shown. In respect to E, it will bo sufficient if the declaration is made by a Resident Magistrate, a local missionary, a Land Purchase Commissioner, or a Government district surveyor. It is observed that in some instances mortgages are effected by natives in order to pay the arrears of interest oh former mortgages. As the effect of such a practice must be speedily to reduce the natives to pauperism, such cases will require very close attention and rigid investigation on the part of all concerned. Chas. Heaphy, Trust Commissioner,