State Fire Office v. Companies.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7801, 18 April 1905, Page 2

State Fire Office v. Companies.

PETITION TO THE HOSPITAL UOAKI>. At Monday's meeting of the Tuninaki Hospital Hoard a petition was loud, signed by fifteen insurance agents or this town, dealing with "the resolution passed by the Hoard deciding to give all insurance business to the Stale Fire Office." It was pointed out by the petitioners that tho agents of the various insurance companies- doing business in New Plymouth and the surrounding district were ratepayers, they helped to support the hospital, and should be entitled to consideration in tho matter of insurance. The Hoard was requested to re-open the question and consider the advisability of obtaining quotations from the insurance companies with offices in New Pl,\ mouth; also with a view of supporting residents of the town who must /nedtably contribute towards tile hospital and charitable nrd funds. Jt was further sot out that as the rates of all the insurance companies were low, and in manycases lower than those of the State, the petitioners were entitled to con-

sideration. Mr 11. F. Hussell, for the general manager, in acknowledging the Hoard's letter agreeing to consider j the question of insuring with tho State Fire Office when the policy now in force expired, supplemented his previous letter with what he con. tended were "indisputable facts, which are themselves sound reasons for supporting the State Fire Oflice." He pointed out (1) that but for the Stale Fire Oflice the old high rates would still be in force ; (2) the insured share profits, which was not the case with the associated companies ; (!t) the policies were guaranteed by the State ; (4) the associated companies by their open und avowed opposition fully proved tho necessity for the existence of an institution outside of the "ring" ; (5) tho cut of 3»i per cent, in the old rate justified the assumption that overcharges to that amount had been levied in past years. Mr Hussell added that he had the more confidence in approaching the Hoard since it was concerned in managing the affairs of a public institution which was subsidised to no small extent by the State, and it was to the State, in the event of a calamity, that it would lirst turn for assistance." The Chairman remarked that the insurance companies were under a misapprehension. The hospital property was insured with several different offices. The resolution passed was that when the policies cxpirert the State Fire Office's application for a share of the business would bo. considered. The Hoard would, he took it, go into the mutter and place the policies where theythought best. The letters were received, and the secretary was instructed to ' reply that the applications from both the companies and the Government would be considered when insurances were discussed.