8.—9.

SAFE-DEPOSIT LOCKERS. 26. That clients who have taken advantage of the safe-deposit-locker system tor the safe custody of their documents and other valuables appreciate the service is amply evidenced by the continued demand for such lockers. Housed in the n«j Ce st L on g" rooms ' tJiese lockers, which are installed at many branches of the Office, afford at a moderate cost security against loss by fire or theft. Access to their lockers may be gained by lessees at any time during ordinary business hours. Eveiy precaution is taken to afford clients a full measure of protection. STAFF. 27. The principal staff changes effected during the year ended 31st March 1937 were — ' ' (a) The appointment of Mr. J. Snell, Controller of the Mortgage Division, to the dual position of Controller of the Mortgage and Administrative Divisions. (b) The appointment of Mr. C. E. White, Supervising Estates Clerk to the position of Inspector, Head Office. (c) Ihe appointment of Mr. A. E. J. Anderson, Divisional Accountant, to the position of Assistant Chief Accountant, Head Office (d) The transfer of Mr. H. Williams, District Solicitor, New Plymouth, to the position of Assistant Solicitor, Legal Division, Head Office (e) The appointment of Mr. H. B. Robb to the position of District Solicitor at New Plymouth. (./) The transfer of Mr. Gr. E. Turney from the position of Assistant District Public Trustee, Invercargill, to the position of Third Assistant District Public Trustee, Wellington. (g) The appointment of Mr. T. J. Dwyer, Second Assistant District Public Trustee, Christchurch, to the position of Assistant District Public Trustee, Invercargill. (h) The appointment of Mr. W. Kane, Third Assistant District Public Trustee, Wellington, to the position of Second Assistant District Public Trustee, Christchurch. (i) The appointment of Mr. R. G. Stokes to the position of District Solicitor Stratford. (j) The appointment of Mr. E. S. Rea, District Accountant, Dannevirke, to the position of Property Supervisor, Auckland (k) The appointment of Mr. J. W. Nissen, Senior Estates Administration Clerk, to the position of Assistant Inspector. (I) The transfer of Mr. J. C. Johnston, District Accountant, Waipukurau, to the position of Senior Examiner, Palmerston North, and the appointment of Mr. C. J. Hay to the position of District Accountant, Waipukurau. (m) The appointment of Mr. H. F. Mclntyre, Examiner, Masterton, to the position of District Accountant, Dannevirke. m ? 8 ' Th f f° Uowin g statement indicates the number of staff, including the Public Irustee and Assistant Public Trustees, engaged in the work of the Department as at the 31st March, 1936 and 1937, at the Head Office and at the district offices Head Office — On 31st March, 1936— On 31st March, 1937— Permanent . . 103 Permanent . . 102 Temporary . . 31 Temporary . . 24 134 District Offices — Permanent . . 619 Permanent . . 654 Temporary . . 187 Temporary . . 195 806 8 49 940 975 Increase in the number of staff during the year, 35. 29. Qualifications of Officers.—Practically without exception junior officers are engaged m the study of law, accountancy, or commerce.

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