Enemy Property.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1922, Page 4

Enemy Property.

EXTENSIVE NEW ZEALAND. TRUST. WELLINGTON, September 5. As custodian of enemy properly in New Zealand Mr Macdonald.- the Public Trustee, has had large administrative responsibility, which is detailed in a report submitted to Parliament. Some idea of the extent of the work involved it is stated that receipts derived from liquidation of assets of enemy firms amounted to £130.259. while payments to sundry creditors, expenses of liqtiidatiou and commission amounted to £17,71.“. After payment of a sum of C3SDB to certain partners in respect of their shares there is n credit balance amounting to £108.075, which is held in the common fund of the Public Tru-st Office. Tt comprises:—O. and G. Rubber Company, Ltd.. £911.038: G. Haiilt and Co.. £17,483; Marhwalcl. Son niid Boss C 110: Rhodiuu aid Co.. T.t 1., £35; total £108.075.

The property belonging to the German Church Trust at Christchurch w»s vested in the Public Trustee, with sc»li power as the Oovernor-in-Council might from time to time direct. Tho chureli premises have been let, and the Public Trustee is collecting ventv, making such repairs as are necessnn from time to time.

A petition signed by German Protestant inhabitants of Canterbury lias been received, praying that tho trust property formerly belonging to the German Protes'ant Church of Christchurch lie now vested in the Evnngelienl Lutheran Concordia Conference Trust Board. Tho request has been considered by the Government, and legieTatinn dealing with the matter will probably be introduced during tlie session.

The Public Trustee states it is nmv apparent that the settlement of prewar debts between subject of the Allied and Associated Powers, and tin* subjects of ex-onemy States is likely to be protracted, especially where, as in the case of our own Dominion, tho time which elapses in communicating \vith the enemy clearing office is considerable. Special attention is being given to tbe closing of all enemy property aeeounts where possible. Fair progress in tbe direction lias !>oon made during the past few months, and in many eases tbe Public Trustee is only wait, ing tlie decision of tile central clearing office in London on questions of policy to dispose of many other cases, whieja will be governed by tlie decision given.