The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 336, 6 July 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1878.

Frequent complaints have lately been made by settlers in this district at the unreasonable length of .time occupied in the transfer ot laud. ; Parties having agreed to sell and buy, are naturally anxious to get the business transacted promptly—in the one case that possession may be taken, and in the other that the cash may be utilised. We could name eases where the preliminaries to transfer have been arranged a matter of nine to twelve months, and still no sign of title deeds. In some cases the purchase money is lying in the hands of the solicitor, and so far as either seller or buyer is concerned, no benefit accrues—though it is open to suspicion, and has even been hinted, that interest may be being drawn by the intermediate party, and that, therefore, delay in the completion of the business is desired. We cannot but regret that suspicions of the kind should be aroused on account of the delays referred to. It is not possible that there can be ground for such suspicions, as only downright unprincipled men would so act. Wq only mention this to show how seriously the business and character of tho legal fraternity may be affected from a very simple cause, and the necessity there is for prompt action being taken for what in this district is a serious bar to transactions in land. Wo have been informed, on what we deem good authority,, that between fifty and one hundred deeds of transfer arc now, and have been, lying in the Registry Office, Taranaki, for periods varying from three to twelve months, and that repeated application has failed to get a clearance. Solicitors arc pestered both by buyer ami seller. The solicitors in turn pester the officer in charge of tho Registry Department. And still deeds accumulate. If blame does not attach to the lawyers, it must then attach "to • the Registry Department. The seller having agreed with the buyer, and both having handed over the business to a solicitor, may themselves be held blameless. They must naturally be anxious to get the business off hand. The many visits paid to solicitors, to whom business lias been entrusted, is proof of that anxiety. We have thus given publicity to complaints frequently made to us, in the hope that remedial steps may be taken. The delays to which ivc have referred, actually hinder sales. People would frequently sell or buy land if prompt transfer of deeds could bo assured. If the delays are caused by negligence on the part of the Registry Officer, then he should be brought to book. If tho solicitors themselves ■ are to blame, they should not escape censure. If, on the other hand, and ■which wo believe to be the case, the Registry Department is being worked short-handed, then representations should be made to Government for an increase in the staff, to meet the growing requirements of the district. There is little doubt but those in or near New Plymouth have better opportunities of seeing their wants attended to. In the case of Patea, personal attendance at the Registry Office is out of tho question. If this grievance is not remedied, or some satisfactory explanation given, combined action will have to be taken by parties interested, and a memorial sent to Government,' which will probably result in ah enquiry being held, and increased facilities for transfer of deeds provided.