8.—9

2

12. The extension of the principle of decentralization by the appointment of— (a.) Assistant Local Deputy Public Trustees : (b.) District Accountants at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin: (c.) District Solicitors at Auckland and Christchurch. 13. The establishment of six new agencies of the Office. 14. Reference to improved methods to be adopted in the accountancy work by the further application of machine processes. 15. The necessity for the introduction of further improvements in the organization by— (a.) The establishment of a Chief Inspector's Division to control the inspection of the Branch Offices and to secure a regular review of the administration of all estates: (b.) The establishment of a statistical section of the Chief Accountant's Division: (c.) The further extension of decentralization as soon as the necessary legislative sanction is obtained. 16. Encouraging outlook for the future. J. G. WARD, Minister of Finance. Wellington, 31st October, 1918.