Following the inauguration of the Safe Deposit facility in Head Office in 1933, there were 4,640 safes available to rent. Take up
of the safes was gradual and by March 31st 1939, 2,391 safes were rented. The outbreak of the Second World War saw an increase to
3,780 twelve months later, and soon afterwards all 4,640 safes were rented.
After the end of the War, there were six cases where the rental had not been paid for a considerable period. The Town Clerk produced a letter to send to the persons concerned by registered post to the effect that unless the terms of the agreement were complied with the Safe would be opened, the contents removed, and the safe made available for re-letting. One person then paid all arrears and surrendered the safe, but the Bank was forced to open safes in the remaining five cases. This involved obtaining duplicate keys under the strict security procedure that applied to the cases of lost keys.
Thus was established the procedure for dealing with Overdue Rentals, in accordance with Condition 6 of the Safe Deposit Agreement.
One of the safes was found to be empty. The contents of the remaining four safes were scheduled and the contents made up in parcels and placed in safe custody.
Renter(s) Contents of Safe Leonard James Taylor (Last payment
17/1/39: 5/-) Renter not traced 28 private letters Joseph Geldzahler (Last payment 30/12/39: 5/-) No contents Mrs Violet Smith (Last
payment 28/2/42: £1) Mrs Smith died July 1941. Husband, C J Smith of 4 Latelow Road, South Yardley, called at H.O. 8th March 1946. He will
try to pay £5 rent owing within about a month's time. No Letters of Administration nor Probate 5 Cups. 2 Silver Trophies. 3 Plated
Trophies. Small Heath Swimming Club. Oscar Arthur Pohl and Miss Bertha Margit Pohl (Last payment 12/12/39: 5/-) Renters not traced Jewellery,
etc Edgar Charles White and Mrs Ethel Louisa Grace White (Last payment 17/3/41: 5/-d) Now informed by Mr T A Young off 44 Ivor Road,
Sparkhill, that Mrs White died November 1941, and Mr White committed suicide a few days later. No relatives Insurance policy; P.O. Nomination
form, Will of E C White, letters, trinkets, etc