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(b.) Kaitangata Relief Fund.—This consisted of subscriptions raised to alleviate the distress consequent upon an explosion in the Kaitangata Coal-mine in 1879, when thirty-four miners lost their lives. For a considerable time the fund was administered by private trustees, but in 1892, by the Kaitangata Relief Fund Transfer Act, the administration was transferred to the Public Trustee. At that time there remained few of the widows and children of those who had suffered in the disaster who required relief from the fund, and so it was provided by legislation that the surplus funds, after providing for the original beneficiaries, should be made available for the relief of the widows and children of coal-miners who might lose their lives in mining accidents occurring from time to time in New Zealand. Within the last few years, when a somewhat serious flood occurred in the Kaitangata district, there was a demand that the balance should be used for the benefit of those settlers who had suffered losses as the result of the floods. At a later date the question was raised whether this balance could not be distributed amongst the descendants of the victims of the original disaster. Questions have been raised in the House on several occasions. The terms of the Act make it clear, however, that the funds are to be used solely for the benefit of those dependants whose names were on the list when the original trustees handed over the management to the Public Trustee in 1892, or else for the dependants of miners who might subsequently lose their lives in other disasters. Before any distribution of the capital 'could be made otherwise than in the foregoing manner amending legislation would be necessary. On the 31st March, 1925, the balance in hand was £3,704. (c.) Huntly Disaster Fund. —Until recently this fund, raised in connection with the disaster which occurred at the Huntly Coal-mine in 1914, was administered by the Public Trustee for the benefit of the widows and orphans of the victims. On the 31st March, 1924, there was to credit of this fund £805, which has now been disbursed in accordance with the scheme of trust approved by the Supreme Court. (d.) Coal-miners' Relief Fund. —The funds for this are derived from the levy payable by coal-mine owners on all coal mined, in accordance with sections 80 and 81 of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, and the subsequent amendments thereof. The object of this fund is to provide for the necessary relief of coal-miners injured while working in coal-mines, or for the families of those miners killed or injured while so working. On the 31st March, 1925, there was to credit of this fund £13,775 lis., while during the period 31st March, 1924, to 31st March, 1925, the amount paid out by way of claims was £2,034 3s. 4d. (e.) Renwick Trust. —Since 1882 this trust has been administered by the Public Trustee. It arises out of the will of Adeline Renwick in 1870. The testatrix directed that the sum of £2,000 was to be utilized for purchasing a piece of Tand in the City of Nelson and erecting thereon six two-roomed cottages, the use of which was to be granted, rent-free, to that number of deserving poor in that town. A suitable section was obtained at the corner of Wellington and Examiner Streets, and the six dwellings erected in accordance with Mrs. Renwick's directions. Since erection these cottages have been occupied by poor people selected from time to time as a vacancy occurs by the Mayor of Nelson and the Public Trustee. The unexpended balance is used for the payment of outgoings on the cottages and in providing small allowances for the occupants. (/.) New Shipowners' Acknowledgment of DebtWto British Seamen Fund. —Tn 1920 it was arranged that the Public Trustee should hold and invest the moneys contributed to this fund. The objects of the fund rendered it necessary that it should be kept in liquid form to provide for the disbursements in accordance with the objects. Accordingly it was invested in the Common Fund, and interest allowed by the Public Trustee on the daily balance. According to the articles of association of the fund, provision is made for incorporation in the War Funds Act, 1915. and the appointment of a board of trustees and advisory committees. The making of grants and allowances for the relief of disabled sailors of the Royal Navy and the mercantile marine, and for the dependants of sailors who died as the result of war injuries sustained or illness contracted while engaged in service in the late war, is determined by the board of trustees,

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