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1880. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND TRANSFER AND DEEDS REGISTRATION. (ANNUAL REPORT OF DEPARTMENTS FOR 1879-80.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Secbetaet for Stamps to the Hon. the Commissioner of Stamps. Head Office, Stamp Department, Wellington, 16th June, 1880. Sie,~ I have the honor to submit the usual report on the working of the Land and Deeds Department for the financial year 1879-80 (nine months). The transactions of this period, as might have been expected, consequent on the prevailing depression, are much more limited than in the previous year, and the revenue has fallen short of the estimate by nearly £1,300. The fees received under the Land Transfer Acts for the nine months ended the 31st March last, exclusive of the Assurance Fund, amounted to £1§,573 ss. 4d., whilst the receipts under the Deeds Eegistration Act were £12,132, making a total of £25,705 ss. 4d. The balance to credit of the Assurance Fund in the books of the Public Trustee on the 31st March was £21,759 9s. lOd. Fees amounting to £2,750 17s. 6d. were received during the nine months. The expenditure for the same period has been £14,136, showing a saving upon the estimates of over £460. The returns appended show —(A) the business transacted under the Land Transfer Acts ; (B) the fees received thereunder; (C) the mortgages and discharges of mortgages, and the total amount remaining secured on mortgage under the said Act on the 31st March ; (D) the arrears existing in the various offices at the close of business on the same date ; (B) the number of deeds received for registration and those remaining unregistered on the Slat March, and also the receipts from this branch of the department; and (F) comparative summary of the working of the Land Transfer system in the Australasian Colonies, from which it will be seen that New Zealand occupies the second position as regards the number of transactions, whilst on the basis of population its position compares very favourablj with the other colonies. It must, however, be borne in mind that the New Zealand returns are made up to a date later than has been found possible as regards the other colonies. I have, &c, E. C. Hamebton, Secretary for Stamps. The Hon. the Commissioner of Stamps, Wellington.