Another "Square Deal"

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 October 1912, Page 3

Another "Square Deal"

Messrs H, G. Ell and G. Lauren-. sod, on Friday, says the times, headed an Opposition attack upon the Government on the ground thnt it was not carrying out the policy of its predecessors with, the State Fire Insurance Department in relation to its transactions with the State Guaranteed Advances Department. Mr Laurenson produced two forma—the past and present —supplied to the public for making applications for loans. The old form, painted in August, 1911, had this clause bearing upon die acceptance of a loan. " You will require to furnish State tiro insurance cover.-' The new form, inspired in the true spirit of Shamreform and printed this month, contains the following significant alteration : " You will require to furnish a quarterday insurance policy, preferably effected with the State Fire Office. 5' The Prime Minister attacked Mr Lanrenson fur possession of these documents, and threatened that he would hold an enquiry in the office concerned to discover how he procured them. In tho evening Mr Laurenson explained how lie secured documents, despite the Prime Mm* ister's airy. " Oh, you needn't bother/ when he proposed to do so. He had simply rung up the office and asked for them and sent a messenger down. " And,''he asked, "haven't I, as a representative of the people, a right to secure public documents from a public office ?" -'Yes, through the Minister," snapped Mr Massey. Through the Minister! What consummate bluff! Huw when these documents havo all along been available to any old man in the street. The fact remains that the Shamreformers are completing the bargain made with certain influential insurance managers to give them a •' square deal v on the State business whenever the opportunity offered. It will be very interesting to watch the manner in which those enterprisiug gentlemen will " absorb " the State fire business through the loophole created by the wonderfully compliant Minister of Finance,