A c t N o . 37, 1904.
A n A c t to repeal t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t A c t , 1 9 0 1 ;
to authorise t h e a c q u i s i t i o n b y p u r c h a s e or
b y r e s u m p t i o n for p u r p o s e s of s e t t l e m e n t of
private l a n d s ; to c o n s t i t u t e and appoint
a u t h o r i t i e s for reports and other p u r p o s e s
u n d e r t h i s A c t ; to p r o v i d e for t h e d e a l i n g
w i t h and t h e disposal of acquired lands and
adjacent Crown l a n d s ; to apply certain of
t h e p r o v i s i o n s of t h e Crown Lands A c t s , and
of t h e A c t s to be read and c o n s t r u e d t h e r e ­
w i t h , for t h e p u r p o s e of r e g u l a t i n g c l o s e r
s e t t l e m e n t under t h i s A c t ; and t o a m e n d
t h e C r o w n Lands A c t s . [31st December, 1904.]
H
E it e n a c t e d by t h e K i n g ' s M o s t E x c e l l e n t Majesty, b y a n d w i t h
t h e advice a n d consent of t h e Legislative C o u n c i l a n d Legislative
A s s e m b l y of N e w S o u t h W a l e s in P a r l i a m e n t assembled, a n d by t h e
a u t h o r i t y of t h e same, as follows :—
1. This Act m a y be cited as t h e " Closer S e t t l e m e n t Act, 1 9 0 1 . "
2. T h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t A c t , 1 9 0 1 , is hereby repealed, b u t
s u c h repeal shall n o t prejudice or affect a n y proceeding, m a t t e r , or
t h i n g lawfully done or c o m m e n c e d , or c o n t r a c t e d to be done, u n d e r
t h e a u t h o r i t y of t h a t Act.
3. T h e provisions of t h e C r o w n L a n d s A c t s , and of t h e Acfs
to be read and c o n s t r u e d t h e r e w i t h , shall only apply to o p e r a t i o n s
u n d e r this A c t so far as is expressly provided h e r e i n .
Interpretation.
4. I n t h i s A c t unless t h e c o n t e x t otherwise r e q u i r e s —
" A c q u i r e d " m e a n s p u r c h a s e d or r e s u m e d .
" C l o s e r S e t t l e m e n t H o a r d " m e a n s t h e board c o n s t i t u t e d u n d e r
this Act.
" C r o w n l a n d s " m e a n s lands so defined u n d e r t h e Crown L a n d s
A c t of 1884.
" D e s i g n p l a n " m e a n s t h e design p l a n of subdivision a n d sale
v a l u e s of a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e area as d e t e r m i n e d by t h e
Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board,
"Minister"
" M i n i s t e r " m e a n s the Secretary for L a n d s .
" O w n e r " m e a n s t h e person or persons in w h o m t h e Pec-simple of,
or t h e r i g h t to obtain t h e fee-simple of, t h e l a n d to be
a c q u i r e d is vested.
" P r e s c r i b e d " m e a n s prescribed by this A c t or by a n y r e g u l a t i o n
m a d e u n d e r it.
" P r i v a t e l a n d " m e a n s land t h e fee-simple of w h i c h is not vested
in II is M a j e s t y t h e K i n g a n d C r o w n lands held u n d e r a n y
t e n u r e w h i c h gives a r i g h t to purchase t h e fee-simple.
" S e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e " means a residential conditional p u r c h a s e
u n d e r this Act both before a n d after t h e issue of t h e g r a n t .
" S e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e area " m e a n s an area of l a n d as notified in
t h e G a z e t t e for t h e purposes of this Act.
T h e t e r m s " L a n d A p p e a l C o u r t , " " l a n d board," " l o c a l land b o a r d , "
" c h a i r m a n , " " land district " shall h a v e t h e same m e a n i n g in
t h i s Act as in the Crown L a n d s Acts, a n d in t h e J u d i c i a l
Offices A c t of 1892.
PART
PURCHASE
OF
I.
PRIVATE
LAND.
5. A n y owner of private land m a y by w r i t i n g addressed to
t h e M i n i s t e r , or to some person appointed by t h e Minister in t h a t
behalf, offer to s u r r e n d e r t h e same to His M a j e s t y in consideration of
1he p a y m e n t of a price named in t h e offer; and, except as hereinafter
provided, such offer shall be b i n d i n g on such owner a n d shall n o t he
w i t h d r a w n by h i m sooner t h a n nine m o n t h s after t h e receipt of t h e offer
except with the consent of t h e Minister in w r i t i n g u n d e r his h a n d .
Provided t h a t s u c h owner m a y from t i m e to t i m e a n d for s u c h periods
as m a y he agreed u p o n between t h e Minister a n d himself r e n e w s u c h
offer.
6. A n y such offer m a y he reported on by any person or persons
appointed by t h e M i n i s t e r for t h a t purpose and m a y also be referred
b y t h e M i n i s t e r to t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board for i n q u i r y in open
court a n d for report on a n y or all of t h e following m a t t e r s , n a m e l y —
(a) T h e fair m a r k e t v a l u e of t h e land a n d of t h e i m p r o v e m e n t s
t h e r e o n respectively.
(b) The average prices per acre of t h e land, g r a z i n g a n d agri­
c u l t u r e , respectively, which m i g h t reasonably be e x p e c t e d
u n d e r a closer s e t t l e m e n t subdivision.
(c) T h e v a l u a t i o n of t h e land as shown by t h e books of the
Commissioners of T a x a t i o n .
(d) T h e suitability of the land for closer s e t t l e m e n t a n d t h e
a p p r o x i m a t e area a n d q u a l i t y of g r a z i n g a n d a g r i c u l t u r a l
land respectively.
(e)
G
(e) T h e e x t e n t to w h i c h e x i s t i n g i m p r o v e m e n t s m a y he utilised
in c o n n e c t i o n w i t h a n y closer s e t t l e m e n t subdivision.
(f) T h e area a n d c h a r a c t e r of C r o w n l a n d i n t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d ,
a n d its s u i t a b i l i t y for closer s e t t l e m e n t .
(g) T h e m a x i m u m a n d t h e m i n i m u m areas for a s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e for g r a z i n g a n d a g r i c u l t u r e r e s p e c t i v e l y .
(h) T h e d e m a n d for land for closer s e t t l e m e n t in t h e n e i g h b o u r ­
hood of t h e land, a n d generally.
(i) T h e p r o b a b i l i t y of t h e i m m e d i a t e disposal of t h e l a n d u n d e r
t h e provisions of t h i s A c t .
(j) T h e distance to t h e nearest r a i l w a y station, port, or t o w n b y
a n y m e a n s of access,
(k) T h e w a t e r s u p p l y to t h e l a n d a n d to l a n d in its n e i g h b o u r h o o d .
(l) T h e b o n a tides of a n y m o r t g a g e or c h a r g e on t h e land a n d t h e
a m o u n t thereof,
a n d a n y o t h e r m a t t e r s t h a t t h e M i n i s t e r m a y see fit to i n c l u d e i n t h e
reference.
7. If such offer h a s b e e n referred to t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t
Board, a n d t h e r e p o r t of t h a t b o a r d shows t h a t t h e l a n d offered is
suitable, a n d is l i k e l y to be i m m e d i a t e l y utilised for closer s e t t l e m e n t ,
t h e M i n i s t e r m a y s u b m i t to P a r l i a m e n t t h a t t h e l a n d or a n y p a r t
thereof t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e i m p r o v e m e n t s thereon be a c q u i r e d —
(a) a t t h e price asked b y t h e o w n e r ; or
(b) at t h e values reported b y t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t B o a r d ; or
(c) a t a price less t h a n either of t h e foregoing.
8. T h e M i n i s t e r , w i t h t h e sanction of t h e Governor a n d t h e
a p p r o v a l of b o t h H o u s e s of P a r l i a m e n t , m a y , if agreed to b y t h e
owner, m a k e a c o n t r a c t for t h e p u r c h a s e of s u c h land or a n y p a r t
thereof a t t h e price a p p r o v e d by P a r l i a m e n t as expressed in a r e s o l u t i o n
b y b o t h H o u s e s thereof.
9. T h e said price shall be s u b j e c t t o d e d u c t i o n in t h e case of
i n c o m p l e t e p u r c h a s e s from t h e C r o w n of t h e b a l a n c e s d u e t o t h e
C r o w n on s u c h p u r c h a s e s . C o n d i t i o n a l leases u n d e r t h e C r o w n L a n d s
A c t s shall be t r e a t e d as i n c o m p l e t e conditional p u r c h a s e s .
10. T h e Governor a n d t h e M i n i s t e r m a y do all t h i n g s necessary
to c a r r y o u t a n y such contract.
11. U p o n c o m p l e t i o n of t h e c o n t r a c t for t h e p u r c h a s e t h e l a n d
shall vest in H i s Majesty, free from all t r u s t s a n d conditions affecting
t h e s a m e , a n d shall be d e e m e d to be reserved from sale, selection,
a n d lease u n t i l otherwise notified by t h e Governor.
PART
PART I I .
RESUMPTION
OF
PRIVATE
LAND.
12. The- c o m p u l s o r y provisions of this A c t shall only a p p l y
w h e r e t h e p r i v a t e land i n t e n d e d to he set a p a r t for closer s e t t l e m e n t
exceeds t w e n t y t h o u s a n d p o u n d s in value, w i t h o u t t a k i n g i n t o a c c o u n t
any improvements thereon.
13. (1) T h e M i n i s t e r for t h e purpose of closer s e t t l e m e n t m a y
order a n y person or persons w h o m he appoints to report to h i m on a n y
private land, a n d m a y u n d e r his own h a n d notify to t h e owner thereof
on t h e prescribed form t h a t he has m a d e an order for a n inspection
w i t h t h e object of a s k i n g P a r l i a m e n t a r y a u t h o r i t y for t h e r e s u m p t i o n
of t h e same.
(2) After t h e date of such notification no disposition of such
land, or a n y p a r t thereof, shall operate to defeat t h e p o w e r of t h e
G o v e r n o r to r e s u m e t h e s a m e for t h e purposes of this A c t .
( 3 ) S u c h restriction on t h e disposition of t h e l a n d shall
cease to have effect if t h e land is n o t r e s u m e d w i t h i n t w e l v e m o n t h s
after t h e date of s u c h notification, or if t h e Governor at a n y t i m e
r e m o v e s t h e restriction.
14. The person or persons a p p o i n t e d to r e p o r t as aforesaid
with such assistants as h e or t h e y m a y d e e m necessary, m a y a t a n y
t i m e e n t e r a n y p r i v a t e land, a n d m a y r e m a i n t h e r e o n for such t i m e as
m a y be necessary to e n a b l e sufficient information to be obtained for
t h e p r e p a r a t i o n of a r e p o r t on s u c h land :
Provided t h a t not less t h a n four w e e k s ' notice of i n t e n t i o n to
e n t e r on s u c h l a n d shall be given to t h e o w n e r thereof or his m a n a g e r
or a g e n t .
15. After r e p o r t as aforesaid t h e m a t t e r m a y b y t h e M i n i s t e r
be referred to t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t B o a r d for a v a l u a t i o n of t h e l a n d
a n d t h e i m p r o v e m e n t s after i n q u i r y in open Court. Before s u c h
reference four w e e k s ' notification of t h e i n t e n t i o n to refer w i t h the
object aforesaid shall be given to t h e owner on t h e prescribed form.
16. (1) T h e o w n e r of a n y p r i v a t e l a n d s referred to t h e Closer
S e t t l e m e n t Board shall h a v e t h e r i g h t to r e t a i n o u t of s u c h l a n d s , if
r e s u m e d , a p a r t thereof t h e value of w h i c h ( w i t h o u t t a k i n g info
a c c o u n t a n y i m p r o v e m e n t s t h e r e o n ) does n o t exceed t e n t h o u s a n d
p o u n d s . W h e r e m o r e t h a n one person is t h e o w n e r of s u c h lands
only one such r i g h t m a y be exercised.
(2) S u c h r i g h t shall be deemed to be waived u n l e s s t h e
owner asserts t h e same in t h e way provided in t h e f o u r t h subsection
hereof, a n d also specifies t h e area, situation, b o u n d a r i e s a n d v a l u e of
t h e l a n d ( w i t h o u t t a k i n g into a c c o u n t a n y i m p r o v e m e n t s t h e r e o n )
w h i c h h e proposes to r e t a i n .
(3)
( 3 ) T h e area, situation, a n d b o u n d a r i e s of t h e l a n d to
b e so retained shall be d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board :
P r o v i d e d t h a t in t h e e v e n t of t h e owner b e i n g dissatisfied w i t h t h e
d e t e r m i n a t i o n of t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board in t h i s respect, b e shall
be e n t i t l e d to waive t h e exercise of his r i g h t of r e t a i n e r by notifying
t h e M i n i s t e r to t h a t effect w i t h i n one week of s u c h d e t e r m i n a t i o n .
(4) If the l a n d referred to t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t B o a r d
comprises p a r t only of t h a t h e l d by a n o w n e r in one c o n t i g u o u s a r e a ,
s u c h o w n e r shall have t h e r i g h t to r e q u i r e t h a t t h e whole of such
area be referred as aforesaid, provided t h a t h e asserts s u c h r i g h t on t h e
prescribed form w i t h i n four w e e k s of notification of t h e i n t e n t i o n to
refer. I n s u c h a case not less t h a n the whole of such a r e a (if a n y )
shall be r e s u m e d .
17. (1) After t h e v a l u a t i o n b y t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board as
aforesaid, t h e m a t t e r may by t h e M i n i s t e r be referred to P a r l i a m e n t .
(2) If P a r l i a m e n t , b y resolution of each H o u s e , approves
of t h e r e s u m p t i o n of t h e land, t h e G o v e r n o r shall, b y notification in
t h e G a z e t t e , declare t h a t t h e l a n d described in s u c h notification has
been r e s u m e d u n d e r a n d for t h e purposes of this A c t , a n d t h e land so
described shall t h e r e u p o n b e c o m e vested in H i s Majesty.
18. (1) T h e v a l u a t i o n of t h e l a n d a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s , as
r e p o r t e d b y t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t B o a r d shall, subject to appeal as
h e r e i n u n d e r provided, be t h e p u r c h a s e price thereof.
(2) If t h e o w n e r or m o r t g a g e e be dissatisfied w i t h s u c h
price, e i t h e r or both m a y , w i t h i n t w e n t y - e i g h t days of t h e notifica­
t i o n of r e s u m p t i o n as in t h i s A c t provided, lodge w i t h t h e M i n i s t e r
a notice of a p p e a l on t h e prescribed form.
( 3 ) S u c h a p p e a l shall be h e a r d b y a C o u r t consisting of one
of t h e J u d g e s of t h e S u p r e m e Court, a p p o i n t e d for t h e p u r p o s e b y t h e
G o v e r n o r w i t h i n f o u r t e e n days of such notice of appeal, a n d t w o
assessors, one of w h o m shall be a p p o i n t e d b y t h e Governor, a n d t h e
o t h e r by t h e a p p e l l a n t w i t h i n t h e aforesaid period.
(4) T h e decision of t h e said J u d g e a n d one of s u c h assessors
as t o price s h a l l be final, w h e t h e r s u c h price be g r e a t e r or less t h a n
t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t B o a r d ' s r e p o r t e d v a l u a t i o n .
19. A f t e r t h e notification of r e s u m p t i o n hereinbefore provided,
t h e o w n e r m a y r e t a i n t h e whole or any p a r t of his estate for s u c h
period as shall be a g r e e d u p o n b e t w e e n himself a n d t h e M i n i s t e r , a n d
u p o n such conditions as t h e M i n i s t e r shall d e t e r m i n e .
PART
PART I I I .
PAYMENTS.
20. E v e r y person c l a i m i n g p a y m e n t for l a n d a c q u i r e d u n d e r
this A c t shall, w i t h i n sixty days of t h e date of t h e d e t e r m i n a t i o n of,
or decision as to price lodge with t h e M i n i s t e r a n o t i c e in t h e
p r e s c r i b e d form s e t t i n g forth t h e n a t u r e of t h e estate or interest of
t h e c l a i m a n t in s u c h land, a n d a n a b s t r a c t of his title.
21. T h e M i n i s t e r shall, w i t h i n t h r e e m o n t h s after b e i n g satisfied
on t h e r e p o r t of t h e Crown Solicitor t h a t t h e valid title is in t h e
c l a i m a n t , p a y to s u c h c l a i m a n t t h e price of t h e land a n d t h e
i m p r o v e m e n t s as d e t e r m i n e d : P r o v i d e d t h a t if t h e l a n d be u n d e r
m o r t g a g e t h e a m o u n t clue t h e r e u n d e r shall be paid to t h e m o r t g a g e e .
22. (1) All reasonable costs of proceedings for r e s u m p t i o n
u n d e r this A c t shall, subject to t a x a t i o n by t h e P r o t h o n o t a r y of t h e
S u p r e m e Court, be paid by t h e Crown, save in t h e case of an appeal.
(2) T h e costs of appeal, subject to a like t a x a t i o n , shall
be paid b y t h e unsuccessful p a r t y to t h e appeal.
23. T h e price d e t e r m i n e d shall bear interest at t h e rate of four
per c e n t u m per a n n u m from t h e date of t h e v e s t i n g as aforesaid, hut
for n o longer period t h a n twelve m o n t h s from such date.
PART I V .
D I S P O S A L OF T H E
LAND.
24. Before disposal of t h e land a p l a n of designed subdivision
s h o w i n g t h e areas a n d values per acre of t h e proposed s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e s shall be s u b m i t t e d to t h e M i n i s t e r b y t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t
Board, a n d shall, s u b j e c t to t h e provisions of section t h i r t y - e i g h t
hereof, be t h e design plan of t h e s e t t l e m e n t area conclusive as to sale
value a n d area for each s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e . T h e design plan shall
i n c l u d e t h e lands a c q u i r e d , and a n y a d j a c e n t Crown lands set a p a r t by
t h e M i n i s t e r to b e c o m e p a r t of t h e s a m e s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e area.
25. (1) All l a n d acquired u n d e r this A c t , a n d s u c h adjacent
Crown lands as h a v e been set a p a r t as aforesaid, shall be dealt w i t h a n d
disposed of as in this A c t provided, a n d in no o t h e r way, a n y provision
of t h e C r o w n L a n d s A c t s or of t h e A c t s to be read a n d c o n s t r u e d
t h e r e w i t h to t h e c o n t r a r y n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g .
(2) S u c h a c q u i r e d l a n d w i t h t h e a d j a c e n t C r o w n lands as
aforesaid (if a n y ) shall be declared a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e area or
areas by notification in t h e G a z e t t e .
(3)
( 3 ) E v e r y such s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e area shall he notified for
disposal u n d e r t h e design p l a n a n d m a y he notilied in t h r e e classes,
namely—
(a) a g r i c u l t u r a l lands ;
(b) g r a z i n g l a n d s ;
(c) t o w n s h i p s e t t l e m e n t a l l o t m e n t s .
(4) S u c h notification shall describe t h e lands a n d declare
t h e m to be available for a p p l i c a t i o n , a n d shall set o u t inter alia t h e
class of land, t h e capital v a l u e for t h e p u r p o s e s of each class of h o l d i n g ,
a n d t h e area in each class w h i c h m a y be applied for, to be held in one
or t w o areas.
26. A n y m a l e person n o t b e i n g u n d e r t h e age of eighteen years,
a n d a n y female person n o t b e i n g u n d e r t h e age of t w e n t y - o n e years,
a n d n o t b e i n g t h e holder of a n y land e x c e p t —
(a) t o w n or s u b u r b a n l a n d as defined in t h e Crown L a n d s
A c t s ; or
(b) l a n d u n d e r lease as provided for in t h i s A c t or a s e t t l e m e n t
t o w n s h i p a l l o t m e n t t h e r e u n d e r ; or
(c) l a n d held as a t e n a n t from a p r i v a t e holder,
m a y a p p l y for a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e u n d e r this A c t , subject to t h e
following p r o v i s i o n s : —
( 1 ) S u c h person shall n o t for t h e p u r p o s e of a p p l y i n g u n d e r
t h i s A c t h a v e divested himself or herself of a n y l a n d held
b y h i m or h e r w i t h i n t w e l v e m o n t h s before t h e date of
a p p l i c a t i o n u n d e r t h i s Act.
(2) Such person if a female shall be u n m a r r i e d , or widowed, or if
m a r r i e d , be living a p a r t from her h u s b a n d under a n order for
judicial separation m a d e b y a c o u r t of c o m p e t e n t j u r i s d i c t i o n .
27. A n y person so qualified as aforesaid m a y lodge, c i t h e r in
person or by a u t h o r i s e d a g e n t , or b y registered post, w i t h t h e l a n d
a g e n t of t h e district in w h i c h t h e l a n d is situated, or w i t h a n y o t h e r
officer d u l y a p p o i n t e d in t h a t behalf, a n application on t h e prescribed
form for a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e . S u c h application shall be accom­
panied b y a deposit of five per c e n t u m of t h e notified value of s u c h
settlement purchase.
28. A p p l i c a t i o n s received by t h e l a n d a g e n t or b y t h e officer d u l y
a p p o i n t e d as aforesaid d u r i n g office h o u r s of a n y day of t h e week from
M o n d a y to t h e n e x t s u c c e e d i n g S a t u r d a y , b o t h days inclusive, shall, for the
p u r p o s e s of t h i s A c t , be d e e m e d to h a v e been lodged s i m u l t a n e o u s l y ;
a n d t h e local l a n d board shall in open c o u r t h e a r a n d i n q u i r e i n t o t h e
m e r i t s of each, a n d m a y , subject to r e g u l a t i o n s m a d e h e r e u n d e r , allow
or refuse a n y of t h e m , or p e r m i t w i t h d r a w a l thereof a t a n y t i m e prior
to t h e board's d e t e r m i n a t i o n t h e r e o n , a n d m a y impose a p e n a l t y on
such w i t h d r a w a l or refusal by r e t a i n i n g the w h o l e or s u c h portion of
t h e deposit m o n e y as shall after d u e i n q u i r y be d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e m ,
and
a n d m a y , a t t h e i r discretion, disqualify such a p p l i c a n t from m a k i n g
a n y fresh application u n d e r this A c t for a period to he d e t e r m i n e d
b y s u c h hoard. N o allowance or refusal of a n application u n d e r t h i s
section shall be a g r o u n d of appeal to t h e L a n d A p p e a l Court.
29. T h e title of a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e u n d e r this A c t shall
c o m m e n c e from t h e date of application therefor, if valid, a n d every s u c h
p u r c h a s e before g r a n t shall be subject to t h e following c o v e n a n t s a n d
conditions, a n d to such o t h e r conditions a n d restrictions r e l a t i n g to
m i n i n g , cultivation, d e s t r u c t i o n of v e r m i n a n d noxious weeds, i n s u r a n c e
a g a i n s t lire, or o t h e r m a t t e r or m a t t e r s as m a y be p r e s c r i b e d : —
(a) A t t h e e n d of t h e first year from t h e date of application, or
w i t h i n t h r e e m o n t h s thereafter, t h e r e s h a l l be paid a n
i n s t a l m e n t on t h e p u r c h a s e m o n e y at t h e r a t e of five per
c e n t u m of t h e capital v a l u e of t h e land, a n d t h e r e a f t e r in
like m a n n e r a like i n s t a l m e n t a n n u a l l y u n t i l t h e b a l a n c e of
t h e p u r c h a s e m o n e y , t o g e t h e r w i t h interest at t h e r a t e of
four per c e n t u m per a n n u m thereon, shall h a v e b e e n p a i d ;
b u t two or m o r e i n s t a l m e n t s m a y be paid a t t h e same t i m e .
(b) A condition of residence for ten years shall a t t a c h to every
s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e , and shall c o m m e n c e w i t h i n twelve
m o n t h s after t h e date of t h e land board's decision allowing
t h e p u r c h a s e : P r o v i d e d t h a t t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t of residence
m a y be e x t e n d e d to a n y d a t e w i t h i n five years of allowance
of p u r c h a s e , on s u c h t e r m s a n d conditions as to i m p r o v e m e n t s
a n d c u l t i v a t i o n as m a y b e a g r e e d u p o n b e t w e e n t h e local
l a n d board a n d t h e p u r c h a s e r .
F o r t h e purposes of t h i s
A c t , residence shall he t a k e n to m e a n c o n t i n u o u s and b o n a
fide living, as t h e p u r c h a s e r ' s u s u a l h o m e , w i t h o u t a n y o t h e r
h a b i t u a l residence, u p o n a n y s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e or u p o n
any t o w n s h i p s e t t l e m e n t a l l o t m e n t in t h e same s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e area.
On application on t h e prescribed form t h e
l a n d board m a y p e r m i t t h e residence condition to be performed
in a n y a d j a c e n t village or town. Such permission m a y b e
conditional or unconditional. The land board or t h e c h a i r m a n
for t h e l a n d board m a y , at a n y t i m e after application on
t h e prescribed form, a n d for due cause shown, suspend
t h e condition of residence either u n c o n d i t i o n a l l y or on
conditions.
(c) If t h e l a n d be u n i m p r o v e d t h e p u r c h a s e r shall m a k e s u b ­
s t a n t i a l a n d p e r m a n e n t i m p r o v e m e n t s t h e r e o n to t h e v a l u e of
ten per c e n t u m of t h e capital value thereof, w i t h i n t w o years
from t h e date of c o m m e n c e m e n t of t h e p u r c h a s e , a n d t o a n
additional five p e r c e n t u m of t h e said value w i t h i n live y e a r s
of t h e said c o m m e n c e m e n t , a n d t o a f u r t h e r a d d i t i o n a l t e n
p e r c e n t u m w i t h i n t e n y e a r s from t h e same date. E x i s t i n g
improvements
i m p r o v e m e n t s on t h e land shall to t h e a m o u n t of their v a l u e
be held to fulfil this condition. B o u n d a r y fencing shall be
deemed to be a n i m p r o v e m e n t w i t h i n t h e m e a n i n g of this
s e c t i o n : P r o v i d e d t h a t n o t h i n g in t h i s subsection shall limit
t h e power of t h e local l a n d board to prescribe t h e v a l u e of
i m p r o v e m e n t s to be effected u n d e r t h e provisions of sub­
section (b).
30. N o person unless qualified u n d e r section t w e n t y - s i x hereof
shall m a k e or a c q u i r e by transfer or otherwise a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e
u n d e r t h i s Act, n o r shall a n y person whosoever m a k e , hold, or
a c q u i r e m o r e t h a n one s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e . N o t r a n s f e r or c o n v e y a n c e
or a s s i g n m e n t in c o n t r a v e n t i o n of t h e provisions of this section shall
b e valid for a n y purpose whatsoever :
Provided t h a t —
(1) This section shall not a p p l y to transfers by way of m o r t g a g e .
(2) If a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e devolve u n d e r a will or i n t e s t a c y
u p o n a person w h o is not qualified u n d e r t h i s A c t to bold
t h e same, such person may nevertheless hold such p u r c h a s e
for a period of t h r e e years, or such f u r t h e r period as t h e
M i n i s t e r m a y p e r m i t , a n d if before t h e e x p i r a t i o n of such
period or periods t h e said person shall become qualified as
aforesaid, such person shall be d e e m e d to h a v e been so
qualified as from t h e date of such devolution.
3 1 . N o bolder of a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e before g r a n t shall
transfer, convey, assign, or lease s u c h p u r c h a s e or m o r t g a g e , or c h a r g e
t h e same w i t h t h e r e p a y m e n t of m o n e y s a d v a n c e d on t h e security
thereof w i t h o u t first h a v i n g o b t a i n e d t h e w r i t t e n c o n s e n t of t h e
M i n i s t e r t h e r e t o . A n d before giving such c o n s e n t t h e M i n i s t e r shall
b e satisfied t h a t all conditions imposed b y t h i s A c t (except t h e p a y m e n t
of b a l a n c e of p u r c h a s e m o n e y ) h a v e been a n d are b e i n g duly complied
with.
32. A n y m o r t g a g e e who has under t h e powers of the m o r t g a g e
s u b m i t t e d a n y s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e for sale by p u b l i c auction, and a n y
e x e c u t i o n creditor who h a s seized u n d e r process of a n y c o u r t a n y
s u c h p u r c h a s e , a n d has so offered t h e land for sale, if the m o r t g a g o r ' s
or d e b t o r ' s interest in t h e land is not t h e n sold to a b o n a fide
p u r c h a s e r , w h o m u s t he a person qualified to a p p l y for or hold a
s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e u n d e r section t w e n t y - s i x of this A c t , m a y , in
t h e prescribed m a n n e r , go i n t o possession of t h e land.
During such
t i m e as t h e condition of residence a t t a c h e s s u c h condition shall
for a period of t w o years after t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t of s u c h possession,
or for such f u r t h e r period as shall he a p p r o v e d by t h e M i n i s t e r , be deemed
to be fulfilled, if a n o m i n e e of such m o r t g a g e e or of s u c h creditor, to
b e a p p r o v e d b y t h e c h a i r m a n of t h e local l a n d board, reside u p o n t h e
l a n d . T h e said m o r t g a g e e or said creditor shall, w i t h i n t w o years
after
the
after t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t of s u c h possession, or w i t h i n such f u r t h e r
period as shall he a p p r o v e d b y t h e Minister, sell t h e said m o r t g a g o r ' s
or said d e b t o r ' s interest in t h e l a n d to a b o n a fide p u r c h a s e r .
Such
p u r c h a s e r m u s t b e a person qualified to hold a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e
u n d e r this A c t , a n d shall be subject t o all conditions affecting t h e
original holder. I n default of sale w i t h i n such period or periods
s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e shall be liable to f o r f e i t u r e :
Provided that
before a n y person shall avail himself of t h e provisions of this section
he shall register at t h e C r o w n l a n d a g e n t ' s office of t h e land
district in w h i c h t h e l a n d is s i t u a t e d t h e t o t a l a m o u n t of his m o r t g a g e
or j u d g m e n t debt a n d other p a r t i c u l a r s as prescribed, a n d a n y
person qualified as previously in t h i s A c t recited m a y thereafter, prior
to t h e exercise of t h e power of forfeiture aforesaid, a p p l y to t h e
local l a n d hoard to p u r c h a s e t h e said h o l d i n g for the a m o u n t of such
debt. T h e board m a y g r a n t s u c h a p p l i c a t i o n , a n d u p o n p a y m e n t to
t h e m o r t g a g e e or j u d g m e n t creditor of t h e a m o u n t t h e n d u e t h e
a p p l i c a n t shall b e c o m e t h e b o l d e r of s u c h l a n d free of such debt, b u t
subject to all unfulfilled conditions a t t a c h i n g to s u c h land.
3 3 . I n t h e event of t h e d e a t h or declared l u n a c y of any person
h o l d i n g u n d e r this Act land to which conditions a t t a c h , s u c h conditions
shall be performed by t h e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of t h e deceased person or
l u n a t i c holder, either personally or by a n a g e n t a p p r o v e d b y the
c h a i r m a n of t h e local l a n d board.
34. T h e G o v e r n o r m a y issue a g r a n t after t h e residence
condition has been fulfilled a n d after t h e b a l a n c e of t h e p u r c h a s e
m o n e y has been paid, on t h e finding of t h e local land board t h a t t h e
conditions a t t a c h i n g to t h e s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e h a v e b e e n fulfilled to
t h e d a t e of s u c h finding.
35. T h e local land board m a y a t a n y t i m e a n d from time to
t i m e hold a n i n q u i r y in open c o u r t as to w h e t h e r t h e conditions a n d
c o v e n a n t s imposed by this A c t on a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e have been
or are b e i n g complied with, a n d in t h e e v e n t of t h e board
finding
they h a v e n o t been or are not b e i n g complied w i t h t h e y shall so
r e p o r t to t h e M i n i s t e r . T h e board's finding shall be subject to a p p e a l
to t h e L a n d A p p e a l C o u r t in t h e same m a n n e r a n d w i t h i n t h e same
t i m e as provided for cases of a p p e a l u n d e r t h e C r o w n L a n d s A c t s .
36. A n y holding u n d e r this A c t shall be liable to forfeiture
if all or a n y of t h e conditions or covenants a t t a c h e d to it h a v e n o t
been or are n o t b e i n g complied w i t h ; b u t t h e M i n i s t e r m a y waive
i n c u r r e d forfeiture e i t h e r u n c o n d i t i o n a l l y or on s u c h conditions as h e
t h i n k s fit. T h e Governor, by notification in t h e Gazette, m a y declare
forfeiture of a h o l d i n g a n d of all moneys paid in c o n n e c t i o n t h e r e w i t h .
On s u c h notification t h e title to t h e land shall vest in H i s M a j e s t y
t h e K i n g , a n d t h e l a n d shall n o t be open to application for s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e u n t i l again notified for t h e purpose. By like notification t h e
Governor m a y reverse a n y forfeiture.
37.
37. A s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e u n d e r this A c t m a y he in t w o
s e p a r a t e parts, a n d m a y consist p a r t l y of a g r i c u l t u r a l a n d p a r t l y of
g r a z i n g land.
38. T h e G o v e r n o r m a y by notification i n t h e G a z e t t e set a p a r t
o u t of lands declared b y h i m a s e t t l e m e n t p u r c h a s e area a n y area
necessary for t o w n s h i p s e t t l e m e n t . T h e M i n i s t e r m a y cause to b e
p r e p a r e d a suitable design, a n d u n d e r it h e m a y sell a t a u c t i o n
a l l o t m e n t s , each of which shall n o t exceed half a n acre in e x t e n t .
No
person shall hold m o r e t h a n t h r e e of s u c h a l l o t m e n t s , e x c e p t by w a y
of m o r t g a g e .
T h e G o v e r n o r m a y also set a p a r t o u t of a s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e area for a n y purpose w h i c h h e shall previously h a v e notified
in t h e G a z e t t e as a public p u r p o s e , a n y area necessary, e i t h e r w i t h i n
or w i t h o u t t h e b o u n d a r i e s of t h e t o w n s h i p s e t t l e m e n t .
39. I t shall be lawful for t h e G o v e r n o r to set a p a r t l a n d s
u n d e r this A c t , and to lease t h e same in areas n o t exceeding t h r e e
h u n d r e d a n d t w e n t y acres. T h e said leases shall be applied for in
t h e prescribed form a n d shall be subject to s u c h conditions as m a y
be d e t e r m i n e d by t h e Governor, a n d to t h e following provisions :—
(a) N o i m p r o v e m e n t s shall be effected on t h e l a n d leased w i t h o u t
t h e consent of t h e M i n i s t e r or t h e c h a i r m a n of t h e local l a n d
board h a v i n g been first obtained i n w r i t i n g .
(b) E v e r y s u c h lease shall be for t h e t h e n c u r r e n t year, a n d shall
e x p i r e on t h e thirty-first day of D e c e m b e r ; b u t m a y be
r e n e w e d from year to y e a r b y t h e lessee p a y i n g t h e yearly
r e n t in a d v a n c e not later t h a n t h e t e n t h d a y of D e c e m b e r of
t h e n e x t p r e c e d i n g year.
(c) T h e a n n u a l r e n t shall be appraised b y t h e l a n d board.
(d) T h e g r a n t i n g of a lease u n d e r this section shall n o t e x e m p t
t h e l a n d held t h e r e u n d e r from b e i n g g r a n t e d as a s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e u n d e r this A c t . On a valid a p p l i c a t i o n for a s e t t l e ­
m e n t p u r c h a s e t h e lease of so m u c h of t h e l a n d as is applied
for t h e r e b y shall cease a n d d e t e r m i n e from t h e d a t e of t h a t
application, a n d t h e rent shall be adjusted or a n y b a l a n c e
refunded as t h e case m a y be.
(e) T h e M i n i s t e r m a y at a n y t i m e cancel a lease g r a n t e d u n d e r
t h i s A c t by g i v i n g n o t less t h a n t h r e e m o n t h s ' n o t i c e i n t h e
G a z e t t e of his i n t e n t i o n to do so, such notice to t e r m i n a t e
t h e lease at t h e end of t h e t h e n c u r r e n t y e a r .
PART
P A R T V.
MISCELLANEOUS.
40. All m o n e y s received in respect of sales by auction, or of
leases, or of s e t t l e m e n t purchases of land acquired u n d e r t h i s A c t shall
be paid into t h e T r e a s u r y a n d carried to a special a c c o u n t , and shall be
applied in t h e first place in p a y m e n t of t h e i n t e r e s t a n d charges u p o n
a n y m o n e y borrowed and paid for land p u r c h a s e d u n d e r this A c t , and
t h e s u r p l u s shall be a c c u m u l a t e d to form a fund for r e p a y i n g the
m o n e y so borrowed a n d paid.
4 1 . (1) T h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board shall consist of t h e president
a n d t h e commissioners of t h e L a n d A p p e a l Court a n d t h e c h a i r m a n
a n d m e m b e r s of t h e local land board for t h e land district in which t h e
l a n d u n d e r inquiry is situated, and shall sit where t h e M i n i s t e r directs.
(2) The President of the Land Appeal Court if present shall
act as c h a i r m a n ; in his absence t h e senior m e m b e r of t h e L a n d A p p e a l
C o u r t p r e s e n t shall so act.
(3) N o t less t h a n four of the m e m b e r s of t h e Closer Settle­
m e n t Board shall constitute; a q u o r u m .
(4) If t h e n u m b e r of m e m b e r s sitting shall be cither four
or six t h e c h a i r m a n of the Closer S e t t l e m e n t Board, or t h e a c t i n g chair­
m a n thereof, shall h a v e a c a s t i n g vote in addition to his original vote.
(5) If t h e land u n d e r i n q u i r y is s i t u a t e d in m o r e t h a n one
land district t h e M i n i s t e r shall specify t h e local land board, t h e
c h a i r m a n a n d m e m b e r s of which shall form p a r t of t h e Closer Settle­
m e n t Board for t h a t inquiry.
42. T h e L a n d A p p e a l Court a n d the local l a n d boards shall
respectively h a v e a n d m a y exercise u n d e r this A c t t h e powers a n d
a u t h o r i t i e s conferred by the A c t s c o n s t i t u t i n g t h e m .
4 3 . A n y land a c q u i r e d u n d e r t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t A c t , 1 9 0 1 ,
a n d not set a p a r t for s e t t l e m e n t prior to t h e passing of t h i s A c t shall
be disposed of u n d e r t h e provisions hereof and u n d e r a design p l a n
which shall be s u b m i t t e d to t h e M i n i s t e r by t h e Closer S e t t l e m e n t
B o a r d , subject m u t a t i s m u t a n d i s to t h e provisions of section t w e n t y four hereof.
44. W h e n e v e r land is acquired u n d e r t h i s A c t a copy of t h e
Gazette notification d e c l a r i n g such land to be a c q u i r e d , certified u n d e r
the h a n d of t h e Minister, shall in every ease be lodged w i t h t h e
R e g i s t r a r - G e n e r a l and be registered by h i m in t h e general register of
deeds unless t h e l a n d so a c q u i r e d is wholly or in p a r t comprised in a
g r a n t or a certificate of title u n d e r the R e a l P r o p e r t y Act, in w h i c h
case, u p o n p r o d u c t i o n of s u c h notification so certified as aforesaid, it
shall be t h e d u t y of t h e R e g i s t r a r - G e n e r a l to deal w i t h a n d give effect
to s u c h notification as if t h e same were a m e m o r a n d u m of t r a n s f e r
d u l y e x e c u t e d u n d e r t h e said A c t .
45.
4 5 . ( 1 ) I f t h e owner or occupier of a n y l a n d s a c q u i r e d u n d e r t h i s
A c t or a n y o t h e r person refuses to give u p possession thereof or h i n d e r s
a n y officer a c t i n g on behalf of t h e M i n i s t e r from e n t e r i n g u p o n or
t a k i n g possession of t h e same t h e M i n i s t e r m a y cause a w a r r a n t to
issue to t h e Sheriff to deliver possession of s u c h lands to t h e person
a p p o i n t e d in s u c h w a r r a n t to receive t h e m .
(2) U p o n t h e receipt of such w a r r a n t t h e Sheriff shall
deliver possession of s u c h l a n d s accordingly, a n d t h e cost a c c r u i n g by
reason of t h e issuing a n d e x e c u t i o n of s u c h w a r r a n t , t o be settled by
t h e Sheriff, shall be paid by t h e person refusing to give u p possession
or c a u s i n g s u c h h i n d r a n c e as aforesaid ; a n d t h e a m o u n t of s u c h costs
shall be d e d u c t e d a n d retained by t h e M i n i s t e r from t h e p u r c h a s e price,
if a n y , t h e n p a y a b l e to s u c h p a r t y , or if no p u r c h a s e price is p a y a b l e to
s u c h party, or if t h e s a m e is less t h a n t h e a m o u n t of s u c h costs, 1hen
such costs or t h e excess thereof beyond s u c h purchase price, if n o t paid
on d e m a n d , shall be levied by distress, a n d u p o n application to a n y
justice for t h a t purpose he shall issue his w a r r a n t accordingly.
46. T h e local l a n d board or t h e c h a i r m a n for s u c h board, on
application b e i n g m a d e in t h e prescribed form by t h e holder of a n y
p u r c h a s e or lease u n d e r this A c t , m a y g r a n t permission u n d e r his h a n d
to t h e said holder to enclose wholly or in p a r t a n y road t r a v e r s i n g or
b o u n d i n g s u c h holding, subject to p a y m e n t of such a n n u a l r e n t as
m a y be d e t e r m i n e d , a n d shall direct t h a t gates or s u i t a b l e s u b s t i t u t e s ,
such as t h e board or the c h a i r m a n for such board may consider necessary,
shall be erected or m a d e so as n o t to u n n e c e s s a r i l y interfere with a n y
traffic, a n d u p o n c o m p l a i n t b e i n g m a d e i n t h e prescribed form w i t h
t h e prescribed deposit t h e local land board m a y for a n y sufficient
reason cancel a n y permission g r a n t e d as aforesaid, a n d m a y order a n y
fence, gate, or o t h e r s t r u c t u r e on a n y road to be r e m o v e d b y s u c h
holder, a n d w i t h i n such period as t h e board m a y d e t e r m i n e .
47. W h e r e permission to enclose a b o u n d a r y road is g r a n t e d as
aforesaid, t h e fenced side of such load shall be deemed to be a c o m m o n
b o u n d a r y line for all purposes of fencing a n d c o n t r i b u t i o n b y t h e
holders of land on either side thereof.
48. T h e l a n d board or t h e c h a i r m a n for s u c h board m a y , on
application in t h e prescribed m a n n e r , a u t h o r i s e a g i v e - a n d - t a k e fence
as a c o m m o n b o u n d a r y line b e t w e e n holdings, a n d s u c h fence w h e n
erected shall be deemed to he, a n d shall for all purposes be, t h e
b o u n d a r y b e t w e e n t h e holdings : Provided t h a t t h e land board m a y ,
on application as prescribed, a n d a c c o m p a n i e d by t h e prescribed deposit
m a d e by any of t h e owners of such h o l d i n g s , give permission to a l t e r
or vary t h e position of s u c h fence.
49. T h e holder u n d e r t h i s A c t , w h o shall fence his s e t t l e m e n t
p u r c h a s e , m a y d e m a n d a n d enforce from t h e h o l d e r of a n a d j o i n i n g
like
like h o l d i n g , or from t h e h o l d e r of a n i n c o m p l e t e p u r c h a s e u n d e r t h e
C r o w n L a n d s A c t s , or from a leaseholder t h e r e u n d e r , w h o a t t h e date
of t h e d e m a n d shall h a v e a t e n u r e of n o t less t h a n five years, a
c o n t r i b u t i o n t o w a r d t h e cost of s u c h fencing to the e x t e n t of onehalf of t h e appraised value thereof, b u t so far only as t h e said fencing
m a r k s a c o m m o n b o u n d a r y - l i n e ; a n d while such fence is m a i n t a i n e d
i n good repair a n d condition b y such person every holder of t h e
a d j o i n i n g lands shall be a n d r e m a i n liable as a c o n t r i b u t o r y t o w a r d s
t h e cost of so m a i n t a i n i n g s u c h fence to t h e e x t e n t of one-half t h e cost
thereof.
50. "Where permission is g r a n t e d to enclose a road situated
b e t w e e n l a n d s held by different persons, a n d t h e person to w h o m s u c h
permission is g r a n t e d derives, in t h e opinion of t h e local l a n d board,
a benefit from or uses a n y fence on or a d j o i n i n g such road, such person
(or a n y transferee of t h e land held b y h i m ) shall, so l o n g as such
permission r e m a i n s u n r e v o k e d , be liable as a c o n t r i b u t o r y towards t h e
cost of m a i n t a i n i n g in good repair such p a r t of t h e fence as benefits,
or is used by h i m .
5 1 . T h e local land board shall, subject to appeal, h a v e power to
h e a r a n d d e t e r m i n e all disputes a n d claims arising u n d e r sections fortyn i n e and fifty hereof as to c o n t r i b u t i o n s , a n d to appraise all values
a n d e s t i m a t e all costs in connection t h e r e w i t h .
52. I n a n y ease w h e r e a local l a n d board, p u r s u a n t to t h e
provisions of t h i s Act, shall m a k e a n y a d j u d i c a t i o n or award, a n d to
give effect to such adjudication or a w a r d shall m a k e a n y order for t h e
p a y m e n t of m o n e y w h e t h e r as compensation, costs, appraised value, or
otherwise howsoever, such order shall be u n d e r t h e b a n d of t h e c h a i r m a n ,
a n d m a y be enforced by distress a n d sale of t h e goods and c h a t t e l s of
t h e person ordered to pay such m o n e y in t h e m a n n e r prescribed b y t h e
r e g u l a t i o n s , or t h e same m a y be recovered in a s u m m a r y w a y before
a n y t w o justices of the peace b y t h e person to w h o m such m o n e y is
ordered to be paid. T h e L a n d A p p e a l C o u r t a n d t h e local l a n d board
shall h a v e power to a w a r d costs in a n y case w i t h i n their respective
jurisdictions u n d e r this A c t .
53. "Whenever i n t h i s A c t t h e word " p r e s c r i b e d " is used in
connection with a n y m a t t e r referred to in t h e c o n t e x t , a n d w h e n e v e r ,
in a n y section of this Act, " r e g u l a t i o n s " arc m e n t i o n e d in c o n n e c t i o n
w i t h a n y s u c h m a t t e r t h e Governor m a y in every s u c h case frame
r e g u l a t i o n s for t h e p u r p o s e of g i v i n g effect to t h e provisions of s u c h
section. A n d , for t h e p u r p o s e of c a r r y i n g this A c t into full effect
generally, t h e G o v e r n o r m a y m a k e r e g u l a t i o n s , w h i c h shall, u p o n
b e i n g p u b l i s h e d in t h e G a z e t t e , be good and valid in law : P r o v i d e d
t h a t a copy of all s u c h r e g u l a t i o n s shall be laid before both H o u s e s of
Parliament
P a r l i a m e n t w i t h i n f o u r t e e n days from t h e p u b l i c a t i o n thereof if
P a r l i a m e n t be t h e n in session, or otherwise w i t h i n f o u r t e e n days after
t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t of t h e n e x t e n s u i n g session.
54. This A c t shall be a d m i n i s t e r e d b y t h e S e c r e t a r y for L a n d s ,
who, for t h e purpose of s u c h a d m i n i s t r a t i o n or w h e n e v e r h e deems
it necessary for his g u i d a n c e a n d i n f o r m a t i o n , shall have power to refer
a n y m a t t e r for i n q u i r y a n d r e p o r t to t h e local l a n d board, a n d t h e said
board shall u p o n s u c h reference proceed accordingly.