B—9

1947 NEW ZEALAND

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly in accordance 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, 1947. The new business reported for administration during the year, valued at £8,322,340, has been exceeded only twice in the history of the Department, and showed an increase of £362,615 over the figures for the previous year. The Department continues to maintain its steady growth, and the esteem in which it is held by the public is evidenced by the number of persons who appoint the Public Trustee executor of their wills. Last year 6,682 testators made wills appointing him executor. This confidence in the Public Trust Office is evidence of the satisfactory manner in which the Department discharges its duties to the public. F, Hackett, Minister in Charge of the Public Trust Office. Wellington, 25th July, 1947.

REPORT OF THE WORKING OF THE PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947 Public Trust Office, Wellington C. 1, 25th July, 1947. Sir, — I have the honour to submit a report on the working of the Public Trust Office for the financial year ended 31st March, 1947. ESTATES AND FUNDS 1. During the year ended 31st March, 1947, 3,910 estates, valued at £8,322,340, were accepted for administration, compared with 3,908, valued at £7,959,725, for the previous year. 2. The number and value of estates and funds under administration as at 31st March, 1947, were : number, 20,218 ; value, £66,833,004. 3. The administration of 4,400 estates and funds, valued at £9,088,211, was completed during the year.