Registrar-Generals-Department-Annual-report-1971-1972 — Page 29

(a) land may be re-entered upon by the Crown for breach of any covenant in the Crown lease thereof, or for breach of any condition or stipulation of any tenancy thereof, by the registra- tion in the Land Office of a Memorial of Re-entry signed by an officer duly authorized by the Governor, whereupon the land is re-vested in the Crown; and

(b) a relevant interest, i.e. an undivided share in the land on which a building stands and the premises in that building to which it relates, may be vested in The Colonial Treasurer Incorporated for such breach as aforesaid in respect of the relevant interest, or for default in payment of the determined Crown rent or the determined annual instalment of premium in respect of the relevant interest, by the registration in the Land Office of a Vesting Notice signed by an officer duly authorized by the Governor, whereupon the relevant interest is vested in The Colonial Treasurer Incorporated absolutely and free from any incumbrances.

In either of the above cases the former owner may petition the Governor or apply to the Supreme Court for relief against forfeiture.

55. During 1971-72, three urban lots were re-entered upon by the Crown for non-payment of rent. These lots, which had a total area of 118,480 sq. ft. were held on short term leases for use for container stations. A fourth urban lot was re-entered upon for breach of the maintenance covenant. This lot, which had an area of 792 sq. ft., was held under a Crown lease containing no user restrictions. One relevant interest representing a residential flat was vested in The Colonial Treasurer Incorporated for non-payment of determined Crown rent and determined annual instalment of premium.

56. After a petition made by the former lessee to the Governor in Council for relief against forfeiture, re-entry on one urban lot was cancelled upon payment of arrears of premium and interest, and administrative and Land Office registration fees.

Legal Proceedings against Property Owners

57. In some cases where there is a default in payment of Crown rent or premium, as an alternative to re-entry legal proceedings are instituted against the owner for the recovery of the money due to the Government. During the year, four such cases were referred to the Legal Department for legal proceedings to be instituted, and a

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