G 3
7.—OFFICIAL TRUSTS.
The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustee at the end of the year was 23. The invested funds totalled $165,594.50 and the cash balances $7,321.69. One trust was wound up during the year and two new trusts were opened.
The amount of commission collected was $753.67 as against $151.02 in 1927.
8.—REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.
On the 31st December there were 544 companies on the Hong Kong Register, of which 56 were in course of liquidation. During the year 70 new companies were put on the Register and 38 struck off. No company was transferred from the Shanghai to the Hong Kong Register and one company from the Hong Kong to the Shanghai Register.
The fees collected in respect of "China" companies amounted to $89,341.76, and those in respect of other companies to $18,152.90.
One firm was registered under the Chinese Partnerships Ordinance, 1911, and no firm was registered under the Limited Partnerships Ordinance, 1912.
Deposits to the total value of $3,883,000 have been made by Insurance Companies under the Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance, 1917.
9.—FEES AND COMMISSION.
The total sum collected during the year by way of fees and commission amounted to $101,624.20 as against $96,254.96 in the previous year.
10. STAFF.
Mr. Justice Wood, Puisne Judge, was absent on long leave from 28th April to 31st December, and Mr. P. Jacks, Land Officer, acted as Puisne Judge during this period.
Mr. H. A. Nisbet, Registrar, left Colony on 23rd June on long leave prior to retirement on pension and retired on pension on 19th October. Mr. C. D. Melbourne, Deputy Registrar, acted as Registrar from 23rd June.
Mr. T. M. Hazlerigg, Treasury Solicitor, was appointed Deputy Registrar on 1st April.
Mr. E. P. H. Lang was appointed Deputy Registrar on his arrival in the Colony on 11th October.