The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, JULY 26,1880.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 176, 26 July 1880, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, JULY 26, 1880.

The Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Bill, introduced into the House of Representatives by Mr Dick, the Colonial Secretary, is a measure tbat is calculated to produce a beneficial effect in the colony since its object is to afford protection to those who inBure, aB well as to old and well-established Companies who will by its provisions be protected against competition from bogus Companies which have no regard for their reputation, and consequently can afford to do business on lower terms than those which are more careful in this respect. It provides that all Companies doing business in New Zealand must have a paid-up and unimpaired capital, or accumulated surplus funds invested in good and sufficient securities, to the extent of not less than £50,000. Every Company is to deposit with the Public Trustee securities of the unimpaired market value of not less than £10,000, the Board appointed under "The Public Trust Office Act, 1872," to be the sole judge of the value of such securities, which are of so varied a character that local Companies whose funds are small as compared with some of the more powerful English institutions will have no difficulty in complying with this provision. Every Company doing business in the colony j

Is to deposit an annual statement of Its affairs varifled by the statutory declaration of its principal officer with the Public Trustee, and a priuted copy of such statement ia'Jio be forwarded to every shareholder aud policy holder of the Company. Every foreign Company doing business in New Zealand shall, within nine months after the coming into operation of the Act, appoint an agent in the colony upon whom process may be served, such agency, to continue, so long, as any liability remain^ outstanding against the Company within the colony. , No Company is to issue any policy of insurance against fire extending over a longer period than fifteen months. Numerous Companies of doubtful character and stability have of late been started in America, and— as mauy.people in the colony can only too regretfully testify — they are not unknown in England, witness the Royal Albert, and more recently ihe Northern Counties, aud it is to guard residents iv New Zealand against losing their money in such institutions that the present Act has been introduced. A lecture, which will doubtless be most interesting, is to be delivered at the Temperance Hall to-morrow under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association by the Bishop of Nelson. The subject chosen is, " The story of the successful Cumberland boy, George Moore, by one why knew him." George Moore wa9 born of humble parents at Mealsgate, in Cumberland} he went up to London and obtained a situation in a lace manufactory, where, by his energy and high character, he rose to a position of considerable wealth, and gained a well-deserved reputation ns a practical philanthropist. The strangely named exhibition " The Sightascope " opened in the Masonic Hall on ' Saturday evening, and was visited by several in search of amusement; It consists of a series of views, some of wbich are very pretty, ranged along the sideot the Hall and seen through powerful magnifying glasses. Tunes are played on a " Musical Cabinet," at which a man sits aud works the treadles/ tbe effect produced consisting of a number of well known airs. Tbe instrument looks something like a harmonium, in the construction of which the keyboard has been omitted, Its peculiarity is its chief recommendation. Several presents were given away during the evening. The exhibition wili be open every nigot duriug the week. An entertainment, the programme of which is certainly . not wantiug in attractiveness, is to' be given at the Shelbourne-street Sunday schoolroom this eveniDg. The proceeds will be devoted to liquidating the small debt which still remains ou the building. In his forecast of the weather telegraphed to-day Captain Edwin surpasses' any of his previous efforts to make those uncomfortable who are likely to be affected by atmospherical disturbances. A further fall in the barometer ; a big gale ; heavy rain ; unusually high tides, and a roaring sea on the Boulder Bank ! What is there that we would rather not have in tho shape of bad weather that he bas left unforetold ? On Friday last the boys of St. Mary's school presented the Rev Father Garin with an address aDd a very handsome album on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Eather Garin feelingly thanked the boys for their address and valuable present, and made a few remarks, in which he complimented the pnpils upon their general good conduct and progress in their studies. Later in the day the young ladies attending the Convent schools presented the rev [gentleman with a beautiful china tea set and tbree addressesone from the select school, one from the public school j and another from the Sisters. The proceedings were enlivened by some well executed music, amongst which was a special piece composed and arranged by oue of the young ladies on the institution.