E.—9

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commission the average, rate of interest received on the 31st December last was approximately 5-2 per cent., which compares very favourably with the rate of about 4-67 per cent, previously received by the Board. The total investments at the different rates of interest on the 31st December, 1918, were :At per cent., £59,600; at 5 per cent., £26,161; at per cent., £38,460; at 5-*- per cent., £322,200 : total, £446,421. The amount held by the Public Trustee uninvested was £2,003. Unclaimed Contributions. —ln last report the comment was made that it was extraordinary that the fund should hold such a large sum as £610 unclaimed by persons who have ceased to be contributors to the fund. Some of this amount has since been claimed, but other amounts added during the year raise the total unclaimed to £1,161. Contributors on A dive Service, —Of contributors who have joined the Expeditionary Force, thirty-four were killed in action or died from wounds or sickness in 1918. This brings up the total number of deaths of contributors who have been on active service to ninety-seven. As previously intimated, the Government has undertaken to pay the contributions of members during the period they are members of the Expeditionary Force. The amount paid in 1918 was £3,833 12s. Bd., making a total during the war of £11,772 10s. lid. Statistics. —The statements and accounts prescribed by regulations under the Act, together with other additional statements, are attached hereto. I have, &c, J. A. Hanan, Chairman.