Appendix I
REPORT OF THE LAND OFFICER FOR THE YEAR 1926.
1.-REGISTRATION.
There was a slight increase in the number of deeds registered in the Land Office during the year 1926 compared with the preceding year,
During the year 1926 four thousand three hundred and sixty (4,360) deeds and documents were registered under the provisions of Ordinance No. 1 of 1844 affecting six thousand one hundred and sixty-five (6,165) lots or sections of lots. The total consideration on sales mortgages surrenders and miscellaneous land transactions amounted to $115,045,589.39 particulars whereof are shown in Table I. The total number of documents registered in the Land Office under the provisions of the above-mentioned Ordinance to the end of the year 1926 was 103,700. The number of deeds registered each year during the last ten years is shown in Table III.
2.-GRANTS OF LAND.
The total area of land granted on lease during the year under review was 1,386 Acres 3 Roods and 1 pole of which 209 Acres 0 Roods 8 poles were dealt with by the District Officers. The total area resumed exceeded the area granted by 678 Acres 3 Roods and 1½ poles. This excess is due to the surrender of the leases of two large Mining Lots for which Mining Licences were granted in lieu of Crown Leases. Particulars of grants surrenders and resumptions during the year 1926 are shown on pages W1 and 2 of the Blue Book for that year.
3.-SURRENDERS.
One hundred and nine deeds of surrender relating to lots or portions of lots required for various public purposes were prepared and registered in the Land Office. A great number of these relate to the Village of Tokwawan which has been almost entirely resumed to make way for new streets. Sums amounting to over three hundred and fifty thousand dollars have passed through the hands of the Land Officer and been paid out by way of compensation.
4. GRANTS OF CROWN LEASES.
Two hundred and fifty Crown Leases were granted during the year. The number of leases granted each year during the last ten years is shown in Table III.