AnnualReport-1918

G 3

The estimated assets, in cases where Receiving Orders were made and not subsequently rescinded, were $736,156.08 and the estimated liabilities $1,480,202.93 as against $60,865.74 and $130,707.64 respectively in 1917.

The fees collected amounted to $4,936.60 as against $1,094.30 in 1917 and the Official Receiver's Commission as Trustee, where no Trustee had been appointed by the Creditors, was $7,858.07 as against $1,694.32 in 1917.

7.-PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION,

Two hundred and thirty-eight (238) grants were made by the Court being :-

One Accounts for the Commissioner was filed.

The figures in 1917 were respectively 97, 111, and 0, total 208. The aggregate value of the estates was $8,306,900 as against $9,260,000 in 1917.

Probate and Estate Duties amounted to $513,469.31, Court Fees to $14,253.23, and Official Administrator's Commission to $6,365.15. The figures in 1917 were respectively $532,522.20, $12,440.40, and $4,968.10.

There were 75 Estates vested in or administered by the Official Administrator during the year, representing an aggregate value of $137,261.48. The figures for 1917 were respectively 62 and $65,251.49.

Sixteen (16) were wound up during the year, of the total value of $15,591.18, as against 15 in 1917 of the total value of $41,928.01.

8.-OFFICIAL TRUSTS.

The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustees at the end of 1918 was 24, with Trust Funds amounting to $53,044.16, as against 23 Estates aggregating $65,251.49, plus certain house property, in 1917. One (1) Estate was wound up during the year. Two new Trusts were opened.

The amount of Commission collected was $433.73 as against $264.32 in 1917.

9.-REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.

On the 31st December there were 260 companies on the Hongkong Register, of which 18 were in course of liquidation. During the year 26 new companies were put on the Register and 9 struck off.

The fees collected in respect of "China" companies amounted to $45,094.06 and those in respect of other companies to $8,956.20.