H.—l9

In connection with this subject, I may observe that the absence in this colony of a department corresponding to that of Surveyor-General in other colonies, has always been felt as a disadvantage by this department in dealing with questions of survey, and in deciding on the qualifications of persons applying to be licensed as surveyors under the Act. I append returns —(A) Of the business transacted under the Act during the past year ; (B) of the fees received during tho same period ; (C) of amounts secured by mortgage under the Land Transfer Act during the past year, and remaining so secured on the 30th June last; and (D) comparative summary before alluded to. Deeds TRcgistri/. The falling off in the receipts of this department which was anticipated in consequence of the introduction of the Land Transfer Act has so far not been realized. The receipts for the year ending 30th June, 1875, were £15,840, being in excess of those for the preceding year. The expenditure for the past year was about £8,800. The receipts of the Deeds Eegistry Department for the ensuing year may be estimated at £16,000, the expenditure at £9,230. I am not aware of anything further which calls for special notice in relation to either of the departments. I have, &c, Geo. B. Davt, The Hon. the Minister of Justice, Wellington. Eegistrar-General of Land.

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