MR. CLAPCOTT’S LECTURE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4275, 2 December 1874, Page 3

MR. CLAPCOTT’S LECTURE.

Mr. Henry Clapcott, as travelling sub-com-missioner, delivered one of bis interesting lectures on the Government Life Insurance scheme at Jolmsonville on Monday evening, to a good audience, in the district school-room. The lecture was listened to with marked attention, and as the result proved to good purpose —for several availed themselves of the opportunity to propose for insurance. Lectures, where information on so important a matter can be given in an agreeable and interesting manner, throughout the country, and in remote places where otherwise the subject of insurance would likely remain not understood, cannot but do good, not only to the individuals who may be induced to insure themselves, but to the entire community. In a few years from such seed sown we may expect to see life insurance take vigorous root, and become firmly planted iu our midst, and the day is not far distant when it will be regarded as one of the first and necessary acts of manhood, and, we may look forward to the time when no family, no matter how lowly its position, need in the event of the father's death be left in destitute circumstances, since by an expenditure of a shilling a-week, a penny or two more or loss according to a man’s age, any father can, if willing, secure at least £IOO for the benefit of his family. And as this can be done with a State guarantee that the policy will be paid when due ; and further, that all profits made by the Government Insurance department wiE be divided every five years amongst those insured, there is no reason why the head of a family should not insure his life, and so not only save bis household from misery, destitution, and possibly ciime, bub secure his neighbors from being called upon to support those whom it is the duty of the parent to provide for. There can be no doubt but that life insurance is one of the most important social subjects that can occupy the mind of a thinking man ; and since a pohoy can be obtained for any sum ranging from £IOO up to £3OOO, any person, no matter what his means may be, can secure something —either large or small—for his family, and that, too, avaEable at the moment when death has struck down him upon whom they were wont to depend. We are informed that Mr. Clapcott stiU finds it advisable to combine amusement with instruction, in fact, “ To beg and woo for leave to do them good and fortunately his ability as a popular reader enables him to do this in a manner which is sure to please his audience, and to cause the evening combining lecture and readings to be a thoroughly enjoyable one. We congratulate Mr. Clapcott on bis power and the way he employs it.