8.—9

32

Regarding the portion of the building in occupation by the accounting staff the Chief Accountant reports— The completion of the alterations on the ground floor has had excellent results. With its largo open spaces and standard furniture the appearance of the Office is most attractive, and the appointments and arrangements are jso complete, as to provide for the maximum output of work and a ready means of inspection and supervision. The ventilation has been greatly improved. The convenience to the public in having a clearly marked Inquiry Office is evident to even a casual, observer. Generally it may be stated that the accommodation provided for the Chief Accountant's Division enables the work to be completed with greatly increased convenience, despatch, and efficiency. A large room suitably furnished has been provided for the holding of the frequent conferences of officers which now form a part of the regular organization of the Office. Generally it may be stated that officers engaged in the 1 lead Office are working under conditions of greater comfort and convenience than have been experienced for many years past. ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION, WELLINGTON. When the previous annual report was written, it was anticipated that the purchase of the additional premises at the intersection of Stout and Ballance Streets, together with the effect produced on the Head Office work by the delegation of estates to districts, would solve the difficulties of accommodation for the future. The information contained in the table published on page 9 of this report together with the information contained in the table relating to wills held on deposit (see page 23), makes it necessary that the Board should look forward to the acquisition of additional accommodation to provide for future expansion, otherwise the opportunity of securing a site in reasonable proximity to the present buildings will have passed. ACCOMMODATION AT DISTRICT OFFICES. It was indicated in last year's report that alterations and renovations of the Office premises had been carried out at Auckland, Christehurch, and Nelson. The following reports on the effect of the improvements have been received from the local officers concerned. Auckland. —" Additional space has been provided for the staff and for the public. The improvements are much appreciated." Christehurch. —" The renovations which were carried out were badly needed. The Office now presents a clean and 'tidy appearance, and is in good repair. The work has been carefully and well done, and I think the money has been well spent." Nelson. —" The Office accommodation is now thoroughly up to date and greatly assists conduct of the business of this Branch. The centralization of the work of the clerks in one main room under the supervision of the Chief Clerk is undoubtedly helpful to the efficiency and quick despatch of the work." Less extensive alterations have been carried out at Dunedin, where two inter-viewing-rooms have been constructed for the use of clients in discussing matters relating to estates under administration by the Office. Improvement of the accommodation at the Masterton Office is in hand. The rapid growth of business is taxing the accommodation to the utmost at several of the District Offices. At Auckland the tenancy of the second floor of the building by the Health Department has been terminated, and the space thus released will be used by the Wills, Loans, and Soldiers Divisions. At Christehurch the position has been such as to cause the Board grave concern. The Department possesses an excellent site at Christehurch, but some time must yet elapse before the erection of a suitable building can be proceeded with.