The Hastings Standard Published Daily TUESDAY, DEC. 21, 1897. FIRE INSURANCE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 507, 21 December 1897, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily

TUESDAY, DEC. 21, 1897. FIRE INSURANCE.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

If there is one thing more than another that is impoverishing Hastings at the present time it is the exorbitant charge made by Fire Insurance Companies. Possibly there is no township in the colony where the insurance rates are so high as here. It is true that Hastings has gained an unenviable notoriety for its conflagrations. This reputation, however, was gained some years ago, when there was a defective water supply and a useless fire engine. Under the implied promise from the Insurance Companies that, so soon as there were reasonable facilities for coping with fires, the rates would be reduced, the inhabitants of the town improved their water supply and pledged their estate for a loan of £IOOO for the purpose of procuring a steam fire engine. The engine is one of the best in the colony, and we have had numerous demonstrations that it is capable of coping with any fire. But what about the insurance rates ? Have they been reduced ? Not at ali. The Insurance Companies have shown their appreciation of the efforts of the townspeople by substantially increasing the rates. This is the kind of thing that we are compelled to tolerate because the law provides no remedy. It is time that the Government took action in the matter. We have State Life Insurance. Why should we not have State Fire Insurance ? See the thousands, and hundreds of thousands of pounds that are squandered in gorgeous buildings and itinerant agents. Where does the money come from ? Where does it go to *? The Fire Brigades may work their hardest, and avert calamities. But the more they do, the less thanks they get for it. The Insursnce Companies never dream of | oing them for their labours, i No: a bit of it- They will bleed the 1 -"-miunky til they cm gt".. and i ■■■' -■ ' r;. ! .h:n2 :r " nermit e<>n- . . ' . ,ir ? ; . . . ■ , juld I made pay through If j tSe Government -will not introduce 1 Stat* Jise Insurance, it should ft* aujr-

rate permit municipal insurance or any form of insurance that would relieve the present oppressive taxation.