45

B.- 9

There was a sharp fall in the amount of legal, fees charged as compared with the previous year, consequent upon the policy of the Office in abolishing most of the legal fees as from the Ist April, 1923. ft is gratifying to record the fact that the relations of the Office with the legal profession have been satisfactory, the estrangement which existed some years ago having happily passed. I am. of the opinion that any extension of the present policy of entrusting local solicitors with certain legal work in estates under the Public Trustee's administration, and in the preparation of mortgage securities, must improve the Department's standing with, the profession. Wills deposited- There are on record at the Christchurch Branch 6,282 wills of living persons. The increase in numbers of wills during the year is shown by the following summary : — Wills deposited as at 31st March, 192"3.. .. .. ..5,554 New first wills prepared during the year .. . . . . 832 (or 97 more than last year). 6,386 Wills withdrawn during the year owing to death of testators or other causes. . .. .. .. .. .. .. 104 Number of wills on hand at 31st March, 1924 .. .. 6,282 In addition to the above, 342 wills were prepared for testators to replace already existing wills. The number of wills being made appointing the Public Trustee executor is steadily increasing, and. it is a very satisfactory feature of the Office activities. It can be confidently stated that this office is maintaining a steady rate of progress, and with a continuance of the present methods and expedition in the administration of estates further support from the public can be anticipated. Branch Offices. -There are two full-time branches and two part-time offices under the control of the District Public Trustee, Christchurch, as follows : — Full-time Branches. — (a.) Rangiora.— This branch has now been open three years and a half, and is firmly established. Steady progress was made during the past year, and further indications were apparent of the increasing confidence of the public. The steady accession of new wills for deposit is an assurance that a good business is being built up for the future in this portion of the province. On the 31st March there were eighty-seven estates and funds under administration in the district served by the Rangiora Branch, of the total value of £129,644. Thirty-one new estates were accepted during the year, while seventeen estates were closed. Forty-two new wills wore received for deposit. (b.) Ashburton.- -The office servos a rich farming district, and a steady accession of new business has been received during the year. Thirty-eight new estates were accepted for administration, while eighteen estates were; closed. On the 31st March there were eighty-five estates and funds under administration in the district served, by the Ashburton Branch, of the total value of £140,116. Fortyeight new wills were received for deposit through the Ashburton Office during the year, and the interests of the Department have been promoted at every opportunity. A profitable future business is being built up. Part-lime Branches, -(a.) Leeston. —This office, which was opened on the 31st March, 1921, is visited on Thursday and Friday of each week. Here again, a satisfactory accession of new wills for deposit has been received, and a good future business is being established. The existing arrangements are sufficient at present for supplying the needs of the Eliesmere district. (/;) Ralcaia. This part-time office is served by the Ashburton District Manager, who visits the township fortnightly and keeps in touch with the beneficiaries in estates in that locality. Agencies.— There are four Agencies under the control of the District Public Trustee, Christchurch— namely, Kaikoura, Akaroa, Methven, and Chatham Islands —all of which have been inspected during the year, and an audit of the accounts made. (a.) Kaikoura. —The Agent satisfactorily copes with the business arising in this district. (b.) Akaroa. —This Agency is a well-established one and serves the whole of Banks Peninsula. Dairying and sheep-farming are the principal industries of its people, and most of the estate business obtained is of a substantial nature. (c.) Methven. —This is a new Agency created during the year. Methven is situated in the centre of a prosperous farming district, and there are prospects of the Agency becoming firmly established. The present arrangements are far more satisfactory than the previous part-time branch, which only permitted an officer spending a few hours in the township fortnightly, which was quite inadequate. (d.) Chatham Islands. —The Agent continues to render efficient service in the estates under our control in these distant islands. The difficulties mentioned in last year's report have been again apparent. The estates reported are mostly those of Natives, and, owing to irregularity of mails and to the distance of the Chathams from suitable markets, satisfactory realizations, particularly of livestock, are difficult to arrange. New Premises. —In my last annual report it was anticipated that the new building in Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, would be ready for occupation in March, 1924. Progress on the new building has, however, been seriously handicapped owing to lack of experienced plasterers. It will probably be September or October next before occupation can be obtained. Staff. —At the 31st March, 1924, the Christchurch staff consisted of the District Public Trustee and sixty-one officers, including typists. It is pleasant to record the fact that included in the staff are six qualified accountants and five qualified solicitors. I desire to record, my appreciation of the loyal services rendered by every member of the staff throughout the year, and also of the co-operation received from the Public Trustee in all representations which I have made from time to time.