NEW PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7818, 10 June 1909, Page 1

NEW PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

WELLINGTON, June 9. The new Public Trust Office m Lambton Quay was officially-opened todaj'. The ceremony took the form of a luncheon, to; which a large number of guests were invited by the Hon. A; T. Ngata, Minister m charge of the Department. The Public Trustee, Mr W. J. Poynton,: presided, and with him were the Premier and Lady Ward; and all the members of the Ministry and their friends. ■ Sir Joseph Ward, m proposing pros r pcrity to the Public Trust Office, referred to the institution as one of the most important m. the country. The Office had been- m operation for nearly 37 years. The value of, the estates administered was nearly six millions. From its inception 'all salaries arid expenses had been paid out of the profits and now thojfi was a balance of profit of about £10j000 per'annum.' It was a high compliment to New Zealand that other countries "now proposed to, establish a similar institution. The new building had cost £42,000. He expected within a few years to find Public Trustees suggesting a, reduction m the charges to those- wishing to do business with the Department. Dr Fitchett,, Chairman of the. Public Trust Office Board, replied, also the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens; MvL.C. on whose suggestion the Public Trust Office was originally established. ] Lady Ward unveiled the photographs of the founders of'the institution—the late Sir Julius Yogel and the Hon. E. C:,J. Stevens. The Hon. A. T. Ngata quoted figures, showing the extent of the'business transacted by the Office, and the Hon. Dr. Findlay, Mr T. M. Wilfprd, M.P., arid others also spoke. ■ ,