15

B.— 9

(b.) Controller of Enemy Firms. By regulations dated the 11 th May, 1916, the control of enemy firms trading in New Zealand is vested in the Public Trustee. Under the powers conferred by the regulations two businesses owned by enemies have been finally wound up, and the winding-up of two additional companies is practically complete. One company has been refloated as a British company. In some instances difficulty has been experienced in collecting amounts due to such companies, the debtors displaying an evident reluctance to pay over any amounts which they consider might possibly benefit an enemy firm or company. (c.) Custodian of Property of Prisoners of War. Under regulations made by Order in Council on the 24th July, 1916, the Public Trustee may be appointed as Custodian of Property of a prisoner of war, either by the prisoner of war or by the Attorney-General. The Public Trustee has charge at present of the estates of twenty prisoners. An officer of the Department visits the internment camp at Somes Island whenever it is necessary to confer with prisoners regarding their affairs. (d.) Registrar of Claims Against the Enemy. By War Regulations dated the 27th February, 1918, it is provided that every British subject resident in New Zealand, and every company or other corporation incorporated in New Zealand, shall furnish the Public Trustee with particulars of all property owned by such subject or company in enemy territory, or in territory in enemy occupation, and also particulars of pecuniary claims against enemy Governments or persons or companies resident or carrying on business in enemy territories or in territories occupied by the enemy. Notices containing particulars of these requirements have been exhibited at railway-stations, post-offices, and other public places. Claims amounting to £45,000 have been received. SALE OF LIQUOR RESTRICTION ACT. The Public Trustee controls numerous hotel properties, which were considerably affected by the legislation of 1917, providing for the early closing of licensed premises and- the consequent readjustment of the rentals. Many notices under the Act were served on the Public Trustee requiring him as owner of licensed premises to reduce the rental to a specified sum or accept a surrender of the lease. In most cases the lessees demanded heavy reductions in the rent. it was decided that as a general rule the taking of a surrender on the terms imposed by the Act would be an imprudent act on the part of a trustee, haying regard to the fact that in most cases a substantial sum of money would require to be found for payment to the lessee, and that the prospect of recouping the estate by a new and advantageous lease was entirely uncertain. Every case was considered on its merits, but in no single instance was it considered desirable to exercise the option to take a surrender. With a few exceptions negotiations between the Office and the lessees resulted in satisfactory settlements being arrived at without the necessity of incurring the expense of formal arbitrations. In the few cases where formal arbitrations became necessary the results have been satisfactory from the point of view of the Office. Generally speaking, the Act has been a difficult one to deal with, and has occasioned the Office no little anxiety in view of the very large interests involved. WILLS DEPOSITED. During the period of the war there- has been a phenomenal increase in the number of wills of living persons deposited in the Office for safe custody. On the Ist April, 1914, the number of such wills on deposit was 6,427. On the 31st March, 1918, the number had increased to 21,050. Of thesi, 5,680 were received during the year under review, or at the rate of 110 per week.