RETRENCHMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2554, 16 July 1909, Page 5

RETRENCHMENT.

THE STAMPS DEPARTMENT

IPek IW.SH Association .] WELLINGTON, July 15In furthcrancc of the general scheme of retrenchment outlined by Sir Joseph Ward some time ago, the Cabinet has decided upon some radical changes in connection with the Stamps Department. The creation and issuing ot stamps will be transferred to the general post of lice, and will lie- henceforth under the control of that office. !he /assessment and collection of deceased persons estates duty will he transferred to the . Land and Income Tix Department. and all work in conm eti m with deceased persons’ estates is to. be centralised in Wellington. All accounts relating to deceased persons niiiM bo forwarded to Wellington from the different parts of the Dominion. Tin-re is to be no office for the receipt of such -stamps except in Wellington ilie as&essment of stamp duty on deeds and all other instruments will be made by the District Land Rogi-Trirs, instead of as at present by the Deputy Commissioner of Stamps. The actual stamping of documents is to he done by the post ollicos in the different centres whore- the deeds duty is assessed by the District Land Registrars. The general control of assessment dues on all do.eils and other instruments, the register of eon.panics, building societies, industrial and rvrovident societies, all work connected with the secretaryship of the Land and Deeds Department; and all other work accepted alter the transfer is made as above' indicated, will remain with the Stamp Office, together pro-, bably with other work which may bo transferred to that office. Changes $o outlined will perhaps* require some legislation to formally complete the operation but in the meantime as far as possible, and as soon!) as possible, the proposed changes will be But into operation under the existing legislation. The purpose of the Prime Minister in ma'king these ehanges-is' one of economy, and it. is anticipated that a considerable saving- will be effected owing to the. retirement. of. certain officers.