8.—9

Trustee's opinion, made insufficient provision. The Public Trustee may in these cases apply the whole of the income from a share in which a minor has a vested interest in possession, and he may, further, in such cases, apply for the advancement or otherwise for the benefit of the infant up to £500 or one-half of the infant's share. He may also exercise the latter power where the infant's share is subject to a prior life interest, provided the life tenant assents. There are also limited powers of maintenance in cases where the infant concerned is entitled to an interest not vested in possession. In cases where the infant is a member of a class of persons, special provision has also been made for the restricted application of his contingent share for his benefit. Intestate Estates.—ln regard to intestate estates the Public Trustee is specifically empowered in cases where the net residue does not exceed £500 to apply such residue towards the maintenance, education, and advancement of the widow and children in such manner as he thinks fit; and where the net residue does not exceed £200 he may, at his discretion, pay the whole of the residue to the widow. Where the net residue exceeds £200 and there are infants entitled he may, if the share of an infant does not exceed £200, pay such share to the mother or some other suitable person, to be applied for his maintenance, education, and advancement, or may himself so apply it. Where the share exceeds £200 he is entitled to make periodical payments for a similar purpose not exceeding £200 per annum, and in suitable cases he may approach the Court for authority to expend larger annual sums. Mental Patient Estates. —In the case of mental patients the Public Trustee has power to apply moneys arising from such estates for the maintenance of a patient, the wife or husband of such person, or for the maintenance and education of the children and grandchildren of such person. In addition, with the sanction of the Supreme Court, he may expend such funds in the maintenance, education, or advancement of the husband or wife of the patient or any relative of that person or any person wholly or partially dependent on the patient, or may continue such other acts of bounty or charity exercised or promised to be exercised by the patient as the Court may consider proper and reasonable, having regard to the circumstances and to the value of the patient's estate. The Supreme Court may also authorize the purchase of a home for the patient or his family. Estates of Aged and Infirm Persons. —The power conferred by the Aged and Infirm Persons Protection Act, 1912, enables the manager to apply any moneys belonging to the protected person for the maintenance of the protected person, or the wife or husband and the children of the protected person, and for the education of the children. It is further provided that the Court may, in its discretion, authorize the continuance of any provision made by the protected person before the making of the protection order for any person wholly or partially dependent on such person, whether a relative or not. Convicts' Estates. —Section 62 of the Prisons Act, 1908, empowers the administrator of a convict's estate to make such payments as he thinks fit for the support or maintenance of the wife or child or reputed child of the convict, or any relative or reputed relative of the convict dependent upon him for support. 58. Exercise of Powers of Maintenance.—ln every case questions affecting maintenance are given careful consideration to ensure that moneys disbursed are laid out to the best advantage. Many factors have to be taken into account, such as the circumstances of the persons proposed to be benefited, and the amount of the available funds must be considered in relation to the period over which maintenance will probably be required ; and in the case of minors the circumstances of the parent, guardian, or other person who is maintaining them, and on whose behalf the application for maintenance is made. In cases where a minor is entitled to be maintained out of two distinct funds care is taken, wherever legally possible, to resort to that fund which is most advantageous to the minor. Everything is done to ensure that, so far as the funds permit and the law allows, a minor is fitted for the battle of life ; but in doing this care is taken to see that the steps taken by the Office do not encroach upon the proper spheres of the parent or other guardian. When an allowance is granted it is reviewed periodically to ensure that the continuance of the expenditure is fully justified by the results,

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