B—9

1946 NEW ZEALAND

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1946

Presented to both Homes of the General Assembly in accordcmce with Section 47 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act ■, 1913

Pursuant to section 47 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1913, I have the honour to lay before Parliament the attached report on the working of the Public Trust Office for the year ended 31st March, 1946. The report reveals that the facilities made available by the Public Trust Office continue to be utilized to a very large extent by the public. The new business reported for administration valued at £7,959,725 showed an increase of £154,430 over the figures for the previous year, and the number of estates and funds accepted was 3,908, compared with 3,855 for the year 1944—45. War conditions created many difficulties during the year, but in spite of this the efficiency of the Department has been maintained. The steady and continued growth of the business of the Office is evidenced by the figures set out hereunder:—

These figures afford ample evidence of the confidence which the public has in the Public Trust Office and are a testimony to the satisfactory discharge of its duties and responsibilities in the transaction of the business entrusted to it, F. Jones, For Minister in Charge of the Public Trust Office. Wellington, Ist August, 1946,

Year. Number of Wills held. Number of Estates and Funds. Value of Estates and Funds under administration. 1926 1946 .. • 48,957 132,546 13,087 20,608 £ 38,009,480 67,598,875