AUCKLAND NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1023, 16 October 1903, Page 1

AUCKLAND NEWS.

LABOR DAY*

((Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, last night,

Labor Day was fittingly observed in Auckland yesterday, the procession being undoubtedly, the best yet seen in this city, each firm vieing With others in securing originality of design in artistic decoration for 'the purpose of illustrating their industry. ' There were many humorous exhibits in the procession apart horn the trades’ displays. Immense crowds assembled to see the procession start, and all along the line of rout both sides of the’streets were

lined with sightseers, and verandahs and windows were all crowded. The procession from a spectacular point of view undoubtedly eclipsed the for 7 mer ones, but there was still the noticeable feature that the number oi men marching tvas, lamparatively speaking, not what it should have been. The m’arch of progress was shown by a skeleton motor-car,which closed the procession. Some of the (workers’ unions made exceedingly creditable displays, and their exhibits were generally accompanied by a large group of workers in the particular trades concerned. Tho prize for the best trade display went to the Butchers’ Union, the Bakers’ Union being very highly commended. The sports passed oil successfully.

STATE FIRE INSURANCE,

'At the meeting of the South British Insurance Company, the chairman said : “On previous occasions, ;when State fire insurance was before the public, your chairman felt it incumbent to deal with the question as it then presented itself. The Lower House having decided in favor of the creation of a State Fire Insurance Department, it would he futile to waste any more time discussing the Your directors, however, felt that the new departure taken by the Government and Parliament marks a serious epoch in the history of this country. - The principle established is that given successful private trading enterprise, then it is the duty of the Government, using the very moneys contributed by way of taxes as a result cf such enterprise, to step in and endeavor to reap the reward of private enterprise, even at the risk of crushing and ruining individuals,, or an aggregate of individuals, who have been successful. The insurance companies who have served a most necessary, purpose in this country, as indeed they have in all countries, are now, because of their success, to be met by the full force and power of the ‘competition of the State, its 'Credit, its treasure, and all its immense political power.”