The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette. Published Daily. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1895. FIRE INSURANCE.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 252, 27 April 1895, Page 2

The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette. Published Daily. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1895. FIRE INSURANCE.

m In several of the large towns in the colon}' there is a strong- feeling that the rates charged by the Fire Insurance Companies are excessive. In consequence of this Fire Insurance Protection Societies have already been formed with an influential membership in each case representing" an enormous sum in the ajroTegnte. Our contemporary, the Manawatu Daily Times, gives a timely note ot warning* to insurers in the country. It says : The Wellington people may be able, by strong combination, to secure some reduction in the rates paid. If they do, it will he all the worse for the country districts, for the Companies will undoubtedly in that case resist to the utmost any request for jusr concessions outside of the chief towns. Evidently united action throughout the colony is necessary, or else the matter must be taken up by the Government." We do not think the Government likely to do this, as the influences which can be brought to bear against any proposal to establish a Fire Insurance brsinck on the same lines as those of the Government Li»e Insurance, would be far too strong- for them to overcome. However, we do not think that State interference in the direction of fixing a maximum rate would do any harm, while uossible good i might follow. Anyone who reads the half-yenrly reports of the Insuiance Companies ard observes the very handsome dividends paid, or who sees the palatial offices erected in the principal towns, can only come to the conclusion that the profits must be enormous to allow of such expenditure. If the Companies are wise they will take warning by the storm indications now apparent, and tednce their charges betore the y>re sent agitation has assumed such large proportions as to overwhelm them.