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[Collection Of Three Important Booklets Concerning Land Ownership]

c1861-1865.

Three letterpress booklets encased in a custom-made phase box. Originally owned by Robert Fitzgerald (Aust., 1807-1865), a prominent and wealthy pastoralist, politician and magistrate in NSW.

(a) Robert R. Torrens (Aust., 1814-1884). A Handy Book On The Real Property Act Of South Australia, 1862. Soft-cover letterpress booklet, 67 pages, addressed to “The Honourable R.M. Fitzgerald, Sydney” in ink with postage stamps and post marks dated “Ap. 23, 1862. Sydney”, 18 x 10.6cm. Missing portions to front cover and title page, slight stains to cover, minor foxing overall.

Text on title page continues “containing a succinct account of that measure, compiled from authentic documents with full information and examples for the guidance of persons dealing; also, an index to the Act. By Robert R. Torrens, Registrar-General. Adelaide: printed at the Advertiser and Chronicle Offices, Grenfell Street.”

The purpose of the Torrens system was to provide certainty of title to land, eliminating grounds for most dispute litigation. It was introduced to the Australian colonies between 1857 and 1875, commencing with South Australia. It is still currently used in Australia and internationally.

(b) Crown Lands Acts And Regulations Of New South Wales, 1861. Soft-cover letterpress booklet, 75 pages, annotations with date by original owner in ink and pencil on cover and throughout body of text, 21.1 x 13.8cm. Stains, creases and minor missing portions to front cover, missing back cover, slight discolouration and foxing overall.

Text on title page includes “Sydney: Thomas Richards, Government Printer. 1861.” Annotations include “R. Fitzgerald, Springfield, Sydney. Nov’r 1861.”

(c) New South Wales, The Stamp Duties Act, 1865. Soft-cover letterpress booklet, 105 pages, annotated with date by original owner in ink on cover page, 21.3 x 13.6cm. Slight stains, missing portions, cockling and creases to cover.

Text on title page continues “of 1865, with regulations thereunder. Published by authority. Sydney: Thomas Richards, Government Printer.” Annotations include “Robert M. Fitzgerald, from his elegant little self. 4th July 1865.” Accompanied with slips of contemporary newsprint and an amendment to the Stamp Duties Act, dated 1868.

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Item #CL169-22

Price (AUD): $2,900.00  other currencies