PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 May 1949, Page 2

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

A Year's Progress

That the steady growth of the Public Trust Office since it was established 77 years ago is being maintained, is demonstrated by the figures for new business for the past 12 months which have been released by the Public Trustee. Estates to the value of £7,894,636 were accepted during the year for administration. During the year 7884 new wills appointing the Public Trustee executor were prepared and lodged in safe custody and a further 6584 wills were revised to provide for changes desired 'ey testators. The total number of wills now held on behalf of living persons exceeds 144,000. An amount of approximately £l.000,000 was advanced on mortgage on the security of farms, business premises and residences. A branch office was opened during the year at Alexandra and agents were appomied at Papakura, Mangakino and Featherston. For the convenience of cl'ents in the Hutt Valley it is proposed shortly to establish a branch office at Lower Hutt. Staff promotions consequent upon tiie recently announced appointments of a new public Trustee and two new assistant Public Trustees include Mr. A. C. Dick, District Public Trustee, Dunedin, to Controller, Estates Division, Head Office; Mr. A. Bell, District Public Trustee, Invercargill. to District Public Trustee, Dunedin; Mr. F. 11. Muirhcad, District Public ffrustee, Masterton, to District 1-uoi'c Trustee, Invercargill; and Mr. J. W. D. Mardon, Inspector, Head Office, to District Public Trustee, Mastcrion.