11. 16.

1883. . NEW ZEALAND.

LAND TRANSFER AND DEEDS REGISTRATION. (ANNUAL REPORT OF DEPARTMENTS FOR 1882-83.)

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

The Secretary for Stamps to the Hon. the Commissioner of Stamps. Sir, — Head Office, Stamp Department, Wellington, 11th July, 1883. 1 have the honour to submit the following returns showing the working of the Laud Transfer and Deeds Eegistration Departments for the year ended the 31st March, 1883 : — A.—The business transacted under the Land Transfer Acts. B.—The fees received thereunder, including the fees received on account of Crown grants. C.—The mortgages and discharges of mortgages, and the amount remaining secured by mortgage, under the said Acts, on the 31st March last. D.—The arrears existing at the various Land Transfer Offices at the close of business on the same date. E. —The number of deeds received for registration and the number remaining unregistered on the 31st March last; also the fees received in the Deeds Eegistration Offices. P.—Comparative statement of the working of the land-transfer system in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and New Zealand. I have, &c, J. Sperrey, The Hon. the Commissioner of Stamps, Wellington. Secretary for Stamps.