PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10274, 8 May 1919, Page 3

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

LAST YEAR'S OPERATION

An official statement issued yesterday states that the working of tlie Public Trust Office for the year ended March 31st last resulted in a profit ot £70,150 on the year's operations. Tinsresult constitutes » record tor the office, and is considered especially gratifying in view of the iarge expenditure of an exceptional nature which has been incurred. Under this heading large amounts have been paid tor the improvement of office premises, providing additional facilities lor the transaction of business with the 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 Dannevirke, and arrangements are complete tor similar action to bo taken with regard to Palmerston North, Hamilton, and Blenheim. It is also proposed to terminate the agencies at Timaru and Ashburton, and to appoint permanent officers at those places at an early date, and also to improve the 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 Nelson will bo transferred from the head office, and will in future bo kept locally. XJus step will greatly facilitate tlio conduct of the office business, and will enable inquiries from clients and. beneficiaries of the office to be answered with a minimum of delay and on the spot. Tho prospects of business during the present year are most encouraging.