Transfer of Land.
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1875, and which is as nearly as possible a reprint of that which is in force in Victoria. Land is brought under its operation in two ways, involuntarily and voluntarily; that is to say, all lands granted out by the Crown after July, 1875, are ipso facto amenable to its provisions, while lands already alienated are entitled to its advantages on the application of persons who are able to show a good title. It is not a little singular that, though all England was under such a system in the days of the Conqueror, it should have fallen into disuse, and that it should not have been adopted on the foundation of a Colony.
The advantages resulting from this Act are:—
1.—That the conveyance of land is reduced to the simplest and cheapest form.
2.—No investigation of title is necessary on the part of a purchaser or mortgagee, but the certificate speaks for itself and discloses any subsisting encumbrances.
3.—The Act of registration passes the property, thus preventing fraudulent conveyances; and the forms of transfer, mortgage, &c., are very concise.
4.—Instead of having a heap of cumbrous documents, and those not readily understood, the title is concentrated into one plain and portable compass, while its counterpart is in the Registry and of official record.
The expense of bringing land under its provisions is:—
1.—An application fee of about ½ per cent, on the value of the property.
2.—A contribution to the assurance fund of one half-penny in the pound.
3.—The costs of advertisement
