AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND UNDERWRITERS’ ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5327, 24 April 1878, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND UNDERWRITERS’ ASSOCIATION.

On Friday, the Bth of February (reports MitehelVs Maritime Register) the Australian and New Zealand Underwriters’, Association held their third annual commemoration dinner at the Freemasons’Tavern, which was attended by representatives of the following colonial insurance companies ;—The Adelaide Insurance Company, the Australian Alliance Assurance Company, the Australian General Assurance Company, the Cornwall Insurance Company of Launceston, the Mercantile Marine Insurance Company of South Australia, the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand, the National Marine Insurance Company of South Australia, the New South Wales Assurance Company, the New Zealand Insurance Company, the Pacific Insurance Company of Sydney, the South Australian Insurance Company (Limited), the South British Insurance Company of New Zealand, the Southern Insurance Company (Limited), the Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand, the Sydney Marine Assurance Company, the Union Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand, the United Insurance Company of Sydney, and the Victoria Fire t and Marine Insurance Company. Amongst the guests present were: —Sir Julius Vogel, K.0.M.G., Agent-General of New Zealand, Sir Arthur Blyth, K.0.M.G., Agent-General of South Australia, Mr. Thomas Gray, Mr. T. Tanner, of Hawkesbury, Mr. S. Deoring, Mr. J. Carr Saunders, Mr. T. Wells, Mr. W. K. Graham, Mr. J. F. Roguemont, Mr. Deputy White, Mr. S. Cover, Captain Parfitt, 11. N., &c. Mr. H. J. Bristow, chairman of the association, presided; After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, Captain Lawrence proposed' “ The Prosperity of the Australian and New Zealand Colonies.” Sir Julius Vogel, in responding, said that a year or two back he had become personally acquainted in the colony with the great, benefits that the asso-, ciation had been working in reference to colo-

nial shipping. The stowage of explosives and the broaching of- cargo had-engaged the espe-! cial -attention of the association, and ■ the dangers arising from the former had beep practically stopped by its vigilance and perseverance. . Referring to the subject of a confederation of the colonies, Sir Julius spoke; of the vast advantages which would result; from such an arrangement. As an illustration of the increased wealth of New Zealand, it was mentioned that Parliament had recently doubled the upset price of land from one end of the colony to the other. Sir Arthur Blyth followed, and, pointing to the proofs given by the colonies in their contributions to the Indian Famine Eund, and their subscriptions for the suffering soldiers in the Crimean war, that they were fitted to undergo the trials of prosperity, which were often harder than those of adversity, joined in the wishes which had been expressed for the increase of their prosperity, and heartily hoped that they would continue in union with this country to the mutual benefit of both. The Chairman then proposed the toast of tho evening, “The Prosperity of the Australian and New Zealand Underwriters’ Association.” He referred to the loyal help which had made the association a power for good to the whole underwx-iting community ; for not only those companies which it represented, but Lloyd’s also, and the English companies too, had benefited by its exertions. “ Our surveyor,” he added, “continues his reports on the loading and discharging of vessels, and attaches such information concerning their captains as may be useful. They are distributed throughout the colonies, being sent to the various associations in correspondence with us, and are very highly appreciated by them. Attention was drawn by us to the peculiar action of sulphur, in combination with sea-water, on iron, and the danger which might arise to iron ships from this cause was pointed out. This matter was taken up by Lloyd’s, and we hope that the notice which we drew to it may prevent the risk being encountered, and any losses from being experienced. Two testimonials to captains have been presented by ns for the able seamanship they displayed under trying circumstances. One of them—Captain White, of the Rutlandshire—deserves especial mention for the ability of his conduct in a time of great peril and emergency. We have likewise drawn attention to the damage done by glucose to other cargo, and we hope that our proceeding will lead to an improvement in packing and stowing of the article.” The remaining toasts, “ The Officers of the Association,” “Underwriters and Underwriting,” “ The Visitors,” “The Chairman,” “ The ViceChairman,” and “The Ladies,” followed in due course. The musical arrangements were under the management of Mr. Frederick Wallace, and Mr. W. Jobson officiated as toast-master.