ΤΟ THE HONORABLE ARCHIBALD H. SIMPSON, M.A., CHIEF JUDGE IN EQUITY OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH This Book IS, BY PERMISSION, Respectfully Dedicated. PREFACE. IT is not without diffidence that these pages are offered to the public, the task herein attempted being both intricate and difficult. The venture is made, however, in the hope that the profession will generously discover some merit in the work, and possibly derive some benefit from it. The author has here attempted to supply a book for the use of students in conveyancing, as easy and readable as the nature of the subject will allow. With that object he has taken the well-known work of Mr. Joshua Williams as his model and foundation, this general acknowledgment being made here to avoid the necessity of repeated reference. Those relevant parts of that work which state the law in England down to the year 1825 have been incorporated into this, with such modifications or additions as were justified by the researches of later authorities. Interwoven with and added to these are the alterations of the old law, or the development of new ones which have taken place in this country since that date. And in treating of the law of New South Wales the author has endeavoured to adhere closely to his model, both in style and method. The plan of the book was formed many years ago, and has been steadily followed out to completion. For this purpose the author has thoroughly sifted the cases. bearing on real property in the various Australian as well as English series of reports; he has made a full and careful study of the various acts of parliament which have been enacted here since 1825; and has had recourse to various other sources of information. It has been his fixed rule to avoid the suggestion or discussion of speculative or hypothetical points, and to put forward only that which is settled law, and amply supported by statutory, judicial, or other authority. He trusts that he will be found to have adhered closely to this rule. Considerable pains have been taken with the various indexes, and the author hopes that they will be found to greatly facilitate easy reference, and the more advantageous use of the book. The thanks of the author are due to the UnderSecretary for Lands, Mr. H. Curry, and to his old and esteemed friend, the Deputy-Registrar-General, Mr. H. W. Gillam, for opportunities afforded him for the investigation of the forms of Crown Grants. 18, WENTWORTH COURT, 10th February, 1903. |