RUGBY INSURANCE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 152, 23 March 1939, Page 11

RUGBY INSURANCE

Companies Refuse General Cover WELLINGTON UNION Insurance companies had declined to consider a general accident cover for Rugby football said Mr. J. N. Millard, chairman of last year’s management committee, at the annual meeting of the Wellington Rugby Union last night.

The subject was introduced by Mr. C. F. Houlton, Eastbourne, who said that the compensation for loss of wages under the union’s insurance scheme was inadequate. As a result the club was losing junior members, and had taken steps to augment the union fund by establishing one of its own.

Mr. J. Prendeville said the committee had gone into the question of a general cover and found that about £lOOO would be required. Rugby football was actually one of the cheapest sports. The amount expended by the union from its accident fund was eight to 10 per cent, of the gross takings at Athletic Park and 30 per cent, of the net takings. With the passing of the Social Security Act the whole position was changing, and the union, before embarking on any scheme should ascertain how it would be affected by the legislation. Cover Refused. Mr. Millard said the secretary, Mr. A. Neilsen, had approached the insurance companies about a general accident cover for the union. They were not interested and would not even quote. Since 1920 the union had paid out £11,267 from the accident fund, aud the public did not realize the extent of the protection given. No other union in New Zealand treated its play-: er.4 so generously. He could assure the delegates that the union would not forget the injured players. Referring to criticism iu the case of a junior player who had lost a leg, Mr. Millard said the union had paid out much more than was thought.