PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 191, 8 May 1919, Page 6

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

A SUCCESSFUL'YEAR. The working of the Public Trust Office for the year ended March 31 lalst has resulted in a profit of X 70.150 on the year's operations. This result constitutes a record for the office, and is especially gratifying in view of the large expenditure of tin (exceptional nature which has been incurred. Under this heading large amounts have been paid for tho improvement of office premises, providing additional facilities for thetransaction of business with tho public. A large amount of preliminary work in connection /with the policy of decentralisation has also been performed. . District offices in charge of permanent officers of the Department have . been opened at Taihape and Dannovirke, and arrangements aro complete for similar action to be taken with regard to Palmerston North, Hamilton, and Blenheim. It is also proposed to terminate the agencies at Timartt and Ashburton, and to appoint permanent officers at those places at an early date, and also to improve tho facilities for carrying on business at Hastings. A forward step has also been taken in conjunction with the keeping of estate accounts. During June next all accounts relating to estates under administration at Invercargill, Napier, Wanganui, Hawera, and Neison will be transferred from the head'office, and will' in future be kept locally. This, step will greatly facilitate the conduct of the 'office business, and will enable inquiries from clients and beneficiaries of tlio office to be answered with a minimum of delay, and on, the snot. The prospects of business during tlio present year are most encouraginf .