8.—9

It will be seen that the number of fresh wills deposited exceeded the number withdrawn by reason of death or otherwise by 4,420. Besides the fresh wills placed on deposit, 2,522 already on deposit were redrafted at the request of the testators. As evidence of the growth of public confidence, the subjoined table showing the increase during the ten years from Ist April, 1915, to 31st March, 1925, will be of interest Wills on deposit at 31st March, 1915 . . . . .. 7,844 Net increase for year ending 31st March--1916 . . . . .. .. .. .. 3,541 1917 .. .. .. .. .. ..4,884 1918 .. .. .. .. .. ..4,781 1919 . . .. .. .. .. .. 3,187 1920 .. .. .. .. .. ..1,555 1921 .. .. . . .. .. ..2,564 1922 .. .. .. ..3,483 1923 .. .. .. .. .. ..3,663 1924 .. .. .. .. .. ..4,180 1925 .. .. .. .. .. ..4,420 Wills on deposit at 31st March, 1925 . . .. .. 44,102 Not only has there been a phenomenal growth in the numbers of wills deposited, but a large number of these have been executed by testators with valuable estates. A perusal of the foregoing figures will show that the number of wills on deposit on the 31st March last was almost six times as large as the number held ten years ago. During the war large numbers of soldiers' wills were deposited with the Public Trustee. From the nature of things it was only to be expected that many of these wills were prepared and executed in camp, on troopships, or under hurried conditions prior to entering the war-zone, often being drawn up by the soldiers themselves, their comrades, or other persons not skilled in will-drafting. On the resumption of peace, therefore, it was necessary to review these wills, especially as the conditions of the testators and their beneficiaries might have materially altered in the meantime. Accordingly the soldier testators were communicated with, and wherever they desired it fresh wills were drafted for them. In last year's report reference was made to the proposal to instal steel filingcabinets and other modern appliances to ensure greater safety and to facilitate the handling of wills. A large and conveniently situated safe has been specially reinforced, and the installation of the new fittings has been completed during the year. Testators may rest assured that their wills are in safe keeping, and that no pains have been spared to eliminate the risk of destruction by fire or otherwise. Stock-taking of the whole of the wills on deposit is carried out annually with the Register of Wills, and the documents thus are carefully checked by experienced officers. The number of wills on deposit is now so large that this stock-taking is a lengthy task, but it is felt to be essential to have regular and systematic checks. ACCOUNTS. 76. The accounting-work has been kept well up to date during the year, and prompt remittances have been made to clients supported by the necessary statements of account. The system of keeping the books locally where the estates are administered continues to give satisfaction, and has proved an unqualified success both to the clients and the Office itself. The delays that occurred under the old system of accounting from Wellington have been eliminated, and the administration of estates greatly expedited.

7 —B. 9.

49