STATE FIRE INSURANCE OFFICE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 135, 29 May 1908, Page 2

STATE FIRE INSURANCE OFFICE

■■»' RETIREMENT OF THE MANAGER. Per Press Association. Wellington. Lust Night. At tlic ontl of this month, Mr. J. W. lirindlcy, general manager of the State Fire Insurance Department, will retire. Jfo told an interviewer to-day that the strain of working up the business against long odds to its present nourishing condition, had begun to tell on his health, and his doctor had advised him to take a lengthened rest. Moreover, the manager does not consider that the remuneration for tho arduous duties sufficient. Mr. Brindley was originally accountant in tho Victorian Insurance Co. at Melbourne in 1574. Two years afterwards lie was » brunch manager, and seven months later he reached the position of general manager for Victoria at the age of 23, the youngest superintendent on the records. He held that position till l.S!)8, when he retired voluntarily. He then went into business in Sydney, but sold up and took his present appointment in April, 1904. He submits that he has built up "a magnificent business" for the State. The Government's share of the fire insurance done in the colony is close up to ten per cent., one of the largest and soundest businesses in the colony, ''and it has been done with raw-edge tools and against keen opposition," states the retiring manager. "For throe years, notwithstanding the low rates, I have made the Department pay. This year, an exceptional year for fires, Ave are in tho position of being able to show a margin of profit, a feat which the private companies considered impossible. Provided thore is no extraordinary bad luck towards tho end of the year, we are making a profit, though we are selling for ,020 what was originally sold for .C:JO." Mr. Briinllcr was referring to the reduction of :i:t 1-3 per cent, in the premiums on dwelling houses ME. BRINDLEY'S SUCCESSOR. Wellington, Last Nigiit. Mr ,T. 11. Richardson, Commissioner of the Government Life Insurance Department, will also take over tho management of tho State Fire Oilice, a position which Mr Rrindley has resigned.