An affidavit, certificate, deposition, record of evidence or other statement in sections 71 and 72 shall in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be proof of the statements contained in it if it is

(a) purported to be signed or certified by a judge or magistrate, or to bear the stamp or seal of a Minister, government department or other competent authority, or

(b) verified by the oath of a witness or of a public officer of the foreign State or foreign entity from which the document or material emanates.