PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15672, 27 January 1913, Page 3 (Supplement)

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. WELLINGTON. January 7. The Commissioners (Messrs Alexander Jl'lntosh and John Henry Hosking, K.C.) appointed to inquire into and report upon tho working of the Publio Trust Office will coniraenco their investigation on Thursday, The order of reference directs the commission to ascertain: (a) Whether -estates in tho hands of the Publio Trustee are efficiently administered; (b) whether tho moneys controlled by the Publio Trustee.are satisfactorily invested; (c) whether realisations aro properly conducted; (d) whether the affaire of members of the Native race entrusted to the Publio Trusteo aro carefully and satisfactorily managed, and to report whether the Native business managed by the Publio Trustee should be separated from tho Publio Trust Office and managed by a board or a trusteo specially appointed for the purpose; (e) whether tho methods of bookkeeping and accountancy adopted by the Public Trusteo aro satisfactory and in accordance with proper business methods; (f) whether tho present constitution of tho Public Trust Offico Board is satisfactory.

Tho commissioners are further directed to report generally upon any matters which come under their notice, and to makq any suggestion which, in their opinion, would tend to tho greater efficiency of tho Publio Trust Office. Although authority is given to hold inquiries at any place in tho dominion, it is unlikely,tihat the commissioners will go beyond Wellington, as the important business at branoh offices is done on certain lines under instruction from headquarters. Tho inquiry will be of a private nature, and tho commission is to report not later than February 10.

Asked to-day if the Government folt any dis9itisfaction with the Publio Trust Office, the Prime Minister replied in the negative. Tliero had been several questions asked in Parliament last session concerning the office, and this inquiry was Ohe outcome. It would be largely departmental in character.