criterion of the work performed, for in those cases in which little or nothing has been collected, much time has been spent examining the debtors, enquiring into their means of payment, and very often with the result that they are worth nothing and that it is useless to take legal proceedings against them.
The office of Official Administrator, to which the Registrar was appointed by Ordinance 9 of 1870, is one involving a considerable amount of work and responsibility, for the labour of the Registrar begins before any step has been taken by the party, and much time is spent trying to discover what property, if any, the deceased has. Giving directions to the Appraiser, indicating what enquiries ought to be made to ascertain the value of the Estate, or to secure the property for the heirs, or obliging the next of kin to take out Letters of Administration. Much property was brought into Court last year by the Registrar, thus taking the initiative.
The realization and management of Intestate Estates take up much time, especially the collecting of the debts, and verification of the claims put in against the estate, attending to mortgage claims, and renewal of Fire Insurance Policies.
The duties of Official Trustee, though not so heavy, have nevertheless last year taken up some time, especially as part of the assets consists of House property and mortgages.
The duties of Registrar...