8.—9

20

The following statement indicates the savings which have been effected up to the date of the last annual report, and those effected since that date. It will be observed that, in all, economies to the extent of £64,883 have been made.

64. The following figures indicate the expenditure each year from 1920-21 to 1922-23 :— £ Expended 1920-21 .. .. .. ..226,103 Expended 1921-22 .. .. .. ..202,199 Expended 1922-23 .. .. .. ..179,285 CONCLUSION. 65. Once again I have to express my thanks for the loyal and devoted way in which my colleagues, the controlling officers of the Department, and the whole of the Office staff have worked during the year. I should like to mention specially the eagerness shown by the junior members of the staff in fitting themselves by education and training for a useful career in the service of the Office. The organization is complete and effective in every way, and many of those persons who do business with the Office are the first to acknowledge the care and interest which all members of the staff display in their affairs. The Office can look forward with confidence to a constantly increasing support from the public. I have, &c, J. W. Macdonald, Public Trustee. The Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Public Trust Office.

Savings effected to 31st March, 1922 (per Annum). Further Savings, 1st April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923 (per Annum). Total Savings as at 31st Maroh, 1923 (per Annum). (a.) Reduction in number of staff (b.) Saving on account of second cut in salaries .. (c.) Closing of five branches where the volume of business did not warrant their being kept open, and the conversion of two branches from full-time to part-time offices ((/.) Reduction in the amount of overtime paid to officers («.) Reduction in travelling and removal expenses through transfers of officers (especially married men) being reduced to a minimum (/.) The stabilizing of the staff, thus eliminating acting positions which involve the payment of allowances (g.) Certain savings of a miscellaneous nature, such as discontinuance of telephone subscriptions, saving of cleaning, &c, alteration in system of keeping Assets and Claims Registers, saving in legal expenses, rates, business extension, and sundries (A.) Saving on stationery (i.) Saving of exchange on remittance of moneys to United Kingdom through establishment of Public Trust Office Account with the Bank of New Zealand, London (/.) Saving on postage and telegrams £ 40,842 £ 4,054 3,163 £ 44,896 3,163 2,177 2,177 1.000 200 1,200 1,600 1.900 3,500 300 300 2,797 150 2,947 1.500 500 900 5,400 500 800 800 Total savings per annum £54,51.6 £10,367 £64,88:;