Official opening of new offices

Press, 13 May 1981, Page 25

Official opening of new offices

The new premises of the Perpetual Trustees Estate and Agency Company of New Zealand, ltd, at 163 Worcester Street, between Manchester Street and Latimer Square, will be officially opened today at 5 p.m. by the organisation’s chairman (Mr Harry Hughes) and vicechairman (Lord Elworthy).

Perpetual Trustees was founded in 1884 under an empowering act of Parliament.

The object, among other purposes, was of “affording persons the opportunity of obtaining the services of a permanent corporation to remove much of the uncertainty and insecurity which affects the appointment of private individuals as executors and trustees.”

It is interesting to note that the original subscribers included four estate agents, one auctioneer, a farmer and a Mr James Brown, described as “a gentleman.”

The Christchurch branch was the sixth to be established and is now the second

largest in the organisation. It was set up in September. 1926, at 145 Worcester Street. Mr A. C. Bretherton was appointed district manager and after a short while was allowed to appoint a shorthand typist to assist him in his work.

Today Perpetual Trustees employ’s 25 staff, including specialists qualified in the field of law, accountancy, estate administration and real estate. The branch and the company owe much to the ability and efforts of Mr Bretherton who gave it such a sound basis on'which to grow. He retired in 1952 after 26 years service, and is still remembered fondly by many of the older residents of Canterbury. In 1953, the branch moved 100 m closer to the Square when the company bought the property on the corner of Worcester and Manchester Streets.

This was already an old building and although several attempts have been made

over the years to modernize it the basic design made it impossible to adapt it for the modern scene. Shortly after the company's takeover by the A.M.P. Association, a decision was made to relocate the branch in the attractive modern premises which have been built to Perpetual Trustees’ requirements at 163 Worcester Street. After only a few weeks in

the new premises, it has become apparent that the interior design and layout and the ability to locate all staff on the one floor has provided a tremendous advantage both to clients and staff alike. Although the Christchurch branch has not moved very far in terms of location during the past 55 years it has grown considerably and today handles the affairs of

many individuals and organisations in both the city and throughout the rural community. Its activities include the West Coast, from Kaikoura in the north to the Rangitata River in the south. Besides handling the deceased’s estates and family trusts, the branch also provides a service in property management, tax consultancy and estate planning.