17

A.—l

The Honourable J. Millar—Minister for Railways, Minister for Marine, Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies and Inspection of Machinery Department. The Honourable G. Fowlds —Minister for Education, Minister for Immigration, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals, the Department of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, and Fire Insurance Department. The Honourable J. G. Findlay—Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Minister in Charge of Law Department. The Honourable R. Mackenzie—Minister of Public Works and Minister of Mines. The Honourable A. W. Hogg—Minister for Labour, Minister of Customs, Minister of Roads and Bridges, and Minister in charge of Printing and Stationery Departments. The Honourable D. Buddo—Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Public Health, and Minister in charge of Valuation and Old Age Pensions Departments. The Honourable T. Mackenzie—Minister for Industries and Commerce, and Minister in Charge of Tourist, Scenery and Forestry Departments. The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

No. 28. No. 7. My Lord, Government House, Wellington, 25th January 1909. In reply to your Lordship's despatch, No. 163, of the 2nd October, on the subject of authentication of signatures to documents, I have the honour to enclose a copy (in duplicate) of a memorandum from my Solicitor General, enumerating the alterations that have been made in the law on this subject since the last report was furnished. I have &c, The Right Honble PLUNKET, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. Governor.

A.-2, 1909, No. 23.

Enclosure. Rt. Hon. the Premier : Re Laws of New Zealand in res feet of the authentication of signatures to documents executed out of New Zealand. In terms of your instructions with respect to the Circular Despatch, of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, of 2nd October, 1908, I beg to state that the information previously' furnished needs the following modifications consequent on subsequent legislation and the passing of the Consolidated Statutes of 1908. Deeds and Documents relating to Property. " The Property Law Act, 1908 ", Section 119. Instruments of any kind admissible, if verified as follows : — If executed in British Dominions, either according to " The Statutory Declarations Act, 1835 ", or according to law of that part of British dominions where verification takes place. If executed in a foreign country, before a British Minister or Consul and sealed with his seal of office (if any) or declaration of due execution made before him. " Consul " includes a Consul-General, Consul, Vice-Consul, Acting Consul, Proconsul, and Consular Agent. " Minister" includes an Ambassador, Envoy, Minister, Charge d'Affaires, and Secretary of Embassy or Legation. " The Land Transfer Act, 1908 ", Section 178. The provisions of section 178 are the same as those of section 119 of " The Property Law Act, 1908". Documents Generally. Affidavits. The power to appoint Commissioners abroad for taking affidavits is now contained in section 47 of " The Judicature Act, 1908 ". By Rule 188 of the Second Schedule to that Act, affidavits, declarations and affirmations may be sworn in the United Kingdom or any British Possession before any Judge, Court, Notary Public or person lawfully authorised to administer oaths in such place, and in any foreign place before a British Consul or Vice-Consul.