A,—l.

No. 36. So, ..__ °" Government House, Wellington, Bth July, 1901. At the request of my Premier, I have the honour to forward herewith an address from the New Zealand Grand Lodge of Freemasons for the gracious acceptance of His Majesty the King. I have, <fee The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, RAN J UELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 37. Sir — ' Government House, Wellington, 9th July, 1901. In reply to your circular letter dated the 15th March, regarding the state of the law in this colony in respect to the authentication of signatures to documents executed in England or elsewhere out of the colonies, I have the honour to inform you that the reply to the Earl of Derby's circular despatch ot the Ist March, 1884, requires the following modifications consequent on subsequent legislation : — Deeds and Documents relating to Property. " The Land Transfer Act, 1870," has been repealed, and the provisions now contained in "The Land Transfer Act, 1885" (No. 57, sec. 169), are similar to those in " The Froperty Law Consolidation Act, 1883." An additional provision is made by " The Land Transfer Act Amendment Act 1888" (No. 40, sec. 12), that if there is no provision m any place tor taking affidavits, British Consul or Vice-Consul may attest instruments. (2.) Documents Generally. Acknowledgment of deeds by married women was abolished by " The Property Law Consolidation Act 1883 Amendment Act, 1885 " (No. 43, sec. 4). Affidavits. By a Supreme Court rule made on the 29th November, 1886 (Gazette 1886 n 1539), 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 places, and in any foreign place before British Consul or Vice-Consul. By " The Bankruptcy Act, 1892 " (No. 24, sec. 153), affidavits made at any place in British dominions are admissible if sworn before Court, Judge, or notary nublic or before a person authorised to administer oaths or take declarations; or in 'any place out of British dominions before British Minister, Consul, ViceConsul, or notary public. (3.) Incorporation of Companies. By "The Evidence Further Amendment Act, 1885" (No. 14, sec. 6), a certificate of incorporation of a company is admissible if signed by person whose authority to give the same is verified by statutory declaration of Mayor, Provost, notary public, British Consul, or Vice-Consul. Merchant Shipping. The Act 17 and 18 Vict., c. 104, has been repealed by 57 and 58 Vict., c. 60, and the provisions of the latter Act now apply. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain, EANFUELY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1902, No. 29.

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