EARTHQUAKE FIRES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1931, Page 5

EARTHQUAKE FIRES

THE PREMIER’S COMMENT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 1.4 “Conditions of ordinary fire policy certainly exclude fire loss or damage arising through earthquake,” the Prime [Minister (Hon. G. W. Forbes) said when referring to the statement issued by the Associated Insurance Companies criticising the decision arrived at by the Government, to make ox gratia payments under State fire policies in connection with the llawkes Bay disaster. “Fire policies, nowever, are primarily intended to afford protection against damage by fire,” Mr Forbes continued, “and the Government, after taking into consideration the exceptionally strong financial position of the State Fire Office, decided this is not the time to stand on the strict legal position in regard to policy holders, who suffered loss by lire. connection it may be said the imills of the office have been entirely built up b\ State 1 Fire policy holders, without an,' cost to the Consolidated Fund, any payment made by the State office will help in rehabilitation, and be in addition to claims met under the policies issued specifically covering damage arising out of the earthquake.