CO129-203 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1882 [10] — Page 350

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go back to 1873, the date at which the Book commenced, would be a work of considerable magnitude. There are a number of actions commenced in which no steps have been taken for years. The Court I think ought to have the power of striking out all suits in which no steps have been taken for a year, unless cause shewn to the contrary. This Book might I think be much improved in detail. It requires even now daily supervision if the particulars contained in it are to be at all reliable.

Register of Suits. Summary Court. This Book has not been made up for some time. It is a compilation from various sources, but like the Register of Suits in Original Jurisdiction ought to be regularly kept from day to day.

Criminal Record Book.

Nisi Prius Criminal Record Book,

These Books ought to be posted up at least every mouth, No entry has been made in either of them for the last 2 years. They are made up no doubt from rough notes taken at the time, but if they are of any use at all, they ought to be regularly kept.

Register of Deeds under the Bankruptcy Act.

This Register appears to have been properly kept since 1875. Sixty two such Deeds appear to have been registered, the average number for 17 years was between

3 and 4, during present year four such Deeds have been registered.

Register of Bills of Sale.

This Book also appears to have been properly kept and entries duly made.

Since November 1864 the date of the Ordinance 307 Bills of Sale were registered 10 of them having been registered in the present year.

Summons Book. Summary Court.

This would I think be unneccessary if the Register of Suits Summary Court were properly kept.

Minute Book. Summary Court.

This Book is kept by the Clerk to the Puisne Judge and would still be kept by him. He now acts as Clerk to the Summary Court.

Fee Book.

This is a very troublesome Book. Up to the present time since my arrival here it has been kept partly by Mr. EwENS and partly by Mr. HAZELAND, the two acting Deputy Registrar's. All fees are now paid by stamps and it is the duty of the Deputy Registrar who cancels the stamp to see that it is of the proper amount, entering the fees at the same time in the Fee Book. Both of the above named officers have had as much as they possibly could do and both have worked zealously and well in the performance of their duties. But stamps have been sometimes brought before me

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