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administered by the Public Trustee, obtaining orders for the apportionment of compensation which has been awarded or paid, and furnishing the Court with reports on applications for apportionment made by other persons. The legislation providing for the relief of mortgagors and lessees has again necessitated many appearances by members of the legal staff before the Court of Review and various Adjustment Commissions. NEW ZEALAND CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION, 1939-40. 38. In connection with the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition which is to be held in Wellington in 1939-40 the Public Trust Office intends to make a suitable display which will serve to bring the Office under the notice of visitors to the Exhibition. On the space allotted in the Government Court a pavilion will be erected in which will be displays to illustrate the progress of the Office from its inception. In addition, suitable literature bringing under the notice of the public the advantages of administration by the Public Trustee and the facilities possessed by him for the prompt transaction of all trustee business will be prepared for use at the Exhibition. An officer will be placed in charge of the pavilion to answer inquiries. OFFICE BUILDINGS. 39. The continued expansion of the Office business has rendered necessary at certain branches the provision of additional and improved accommodation for the staff and the public. During the year alterations and/or extensions were effected at Auckland, Whangarei, Dunedin, and Hamilton. The growth of business in the Ashburton district is such that the provision of additional accommodation for the staff of the Ashburton branch is essential for the proper conduct of the work. Consideration is being given to this question. A commencement has been made with the erection in Nelson of a new building to replace the one previously occupied and disposed of because of its unsuitability for the needs of the Office. It is anticipated that the new building will be ready for occupation in November next. The building, which is to be of earthquake resistant reinforced concrete and brick-work construction, is of a pleasing and dignified design, and when completed should be a handsome addition to the public buildings of Nelson. It has been designed on most modern lines with a view to providing adequate facilities and accommodation for both the Office staff and the public for some years to come. Further consideration was given to the question of providing a new Office building at Wellington. Proposals to acquire sites adjoining the Office building in Ballance Street were approved, and the Public Works Department entered into negotiations with the owners of the properties for their purchase at certain reserves. The purchase of one site has been completed , and arrangements for the acquisition of the remaining site are now in progress. The urgent necessity of providing increased accommodation planned on modern lines for the Head Office and Wellington District Office is fully recognized. The staff is at present working under very unsuitable and inconvenient conditions, and the congestion, particularly in the Wellington District Office, is becoming acute. There is no possibility of further expansion within the existing limits, and the old-fashioned nature of the buildings, one of which was not designed for Office purposes but was acquired by purchase many years ago to provide essential additional space, makes the working of the Office uneconomical and wasteful besides militating against the health and comfort of the staff,

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