8.—9.

estate under administration benefits in that to the consideration of its individual problems is brought the knowledge derived from the handling of a large number of estates where similar and perhaps identical difficulties have been dealt with previously ; and where, as in the past few years, new problems have arisen during a period of adversity through the passing of legislation of an unprecedented character to meet the resulting conditions the Public Trustee has been able to view the needs and requirements of each new development, whether of a major or of a less extensive character, in a general way, and to lay down uniform lines of action by which the best interests of the individual estates may be served, and any readjustments rendered necessary may be carried into effect with a minimum of uncertainty and consequent inconvenience or loss to the trust estates. In these matters there is, of course, no inelastic application of a general policy without regard to the special requirements of individual trusts or beneficiaries. Due consideration is always given to the special circumstances of each estate, and consultation with the persons beneficially entitled is invariably followed on all matters of importance in which there may be scope for a difference of opinion as to the best course to be followed. The special advantage to the estates is the availability of the general perspective which can be derived only from the consideration of a large number of closely related problems. Nor is it to be assumed that a settled policy on any matter of general application to the estates under administration is, once established, adhered to rigidly under changing conditions. The wide range of interests dealt with by the Office, and its extensive representation throughout the Dominion, provide many points of contact through which it speedily becomes acquainted with new developments of importance in connection with its work, and it is prompt in making any changes or readjustments which may prove necessary or desirable and in applying them by concerted action to the individual interests under its control. 5. The volume of business dealt with has also made possible the setting-up of an organization specially equipped as to personnel through which the work of administration is conducted systematically and with adequate safeguards as to supervision and inspection. The staff employed possesses the practical and technical knowledge to perform satisfactorily the responsible duties involved in the administration of trust estates. It comprises a large proportion of officers qualified in law, accountancy, and commerce, as well as officers with specialized knowledge of various phases of the work, the latter including a financial officer dealing with matters relating to shares and investments, and outside Inspectors with practical experience of rural and urban properties and matters pertaining thereto. The Office is widely represented throughout the Dominion, so that its representatives are readily available to beneficiaries and clients for consultation, and a scheme of delegation which is in operation enables the administration of estates to be conducted, in proximity to the assets and to the persons interested, by local representatives of the Office, who are subject, however, to the general control of the Public Trustee and to approval by him of the more important phases of the administration. 6. Moreover, in utilizing the services of the Public Trustee, there is the certainty that there will be continuity of administration and the impartial performance of the trustee duties. The Public Trustee is a permanent trustee who is not subject to the risks of sickness, disability, absence, or death, which may, in the case of private trustees, lead to the administration being conducted either temporarily or for long periods by persons other than those named by the testators or settlors as trustees, and possibly by trustees to whom the person creating the trust would not have desired to entrust his affairs. The Public Trustee, however, continues from generation to generation, and gives continuous and uninterrupted attention to the trust reposed in him. It is equally important that those resorting to the Office are assured that the administration of their affairs will be conducted in an impartial manner without bias towards or prejudice in favour of any individual beneficiaries. It is unfortunately true that in the administration of the estates of deceased persons, conflicts of interest often arise, making it very necessary that a true balance should be maintained between the persons beneficially interested, so that justice

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