Public Trustee Act 1930

In the administration of any estate the Public Trustee may –

allow any claim made upon him in respect of the estate upon the affidavit or statutory declaration only of the claimant, or of some person on his behalf, or may require such further evidence as he may think necessary;

require proof by affidavit or statutory declaration that any person is living and is the person to whom any property is payable or transferable, and may refuse payment or transfer until such proof is furnished to him;

in respect of any estate or interest therein not exceeding the prescribed amount in value, if acting in good faith, accept the written statement, affidavit, or statutory declaration of any person whom he believes to be trustworthy as to any birth, death, marriage, or other matter of pedigree or relationship, or other fact upon which the title to the estate or any part thereof may depend–

and shall not incur any liability in any of the said cases by so doing.