Thrift institutions posted their strongest quarter since early 2004 as the industry’s new mortgage originations increased 19.7 percent in the second quarter of this year, according to data from the Office of Thrift Supervision. The industry reported a combined $169.38 billion in new 1-4 family mortgage originations during the second quarter, bringing year-to-date production up to $310.87 billion – equal to a 2.4 percent gain from the first half of 2004. That’s despite a 2.5… [One data table included]