8.—9

2

12. The institution of a complete system of inspection as a corollary to decentralization. 13. The opening of District Offices at Dannevirke and Taihape officered by members of the Staff, and the proposed establishment of offices similarly controlled at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Blenheim, Ash burton, and Timaru during the next financial year, the arrangements connected with which are well in hand. 14. The intended transfer of the Estate accounting-work from Mead Office to Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier, Hawera, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Nelson, Invercargill, and such other District Offices as may be determined upon. 15. The exceptional conditions created by the influenza epidemic. 10. The increase of 3,187 in the number of wills held in safe custody on behalf of living testators, making the total number on deposit 24,237. 17. The centralization of the Head Office estate records system. 18. The inauguration of a Reviewing Branch, which will provide for a continuous review of the administration of estates. 19. The further introduction of specially advanced machine processes to the accounting-work in the Head Office and at District Offices. 20. The proposed appointment of experts to act as Advisers of the Office in connection with the administration of estates possessing unusual features. W. F. Massey, Minister in Charge of the Public Trust Office. Wellington, 3rd September, 1919.