IN THE HANDS OF THE PHILISTINES.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 85, 29 April 1882, Page 99

IN THE HANDS OF THE PHILISTINES.

A hightly-respected country minister of the Presbyterian f aitJi recently fell into the hands of the Philistines under very peculiar circumstances. Haying enjoyed his matutinal "dip," he took a stroll down the Queen-street Wharf, in order to inhale the invigorating ozone, and to watch the business of those "who go down to the sea in ships, and do business in great waters. Whilst contemplating the scenery, and listening to the rude Anglo-Saxon expletives of the mariners, he was suddenly accosted with "Hi! hi! I want you ; your name's Dougherty, I've a warrant for your arrest !" The astonished clergyman protested that there was a mistake. That his name was not " Dougherty," but the limb of the law replied in stern tones "Don't tell lies ; come -with me, or else I'll make you." The poor victim of mistaken identity whose appetite had been sharpened by his " constitutional," pleaded in Tain that he might be permitted to fortify the inner man before he was lodged in durance vile, but his captor was obdurate, " I'll give you some skilly, when you get to the station," he said with grim humour. As the Rev. Mr M. was about to proceed to the lock-up, a brilliant idea occurred to his mind, and with the despair of desperation, he immediately put it into execution. Turning down his collar he displayed the white choker beneath his long beard. " Faix," exclaimed the policerntm, catching sight of the badge, " there must be some mistake," and fortunately a little further on a gentleman whom they met was able to identify the parson, and to undeceive his captor. The Eev. M. says whenever he visits the ungodly haunts of men in future he will take care to array Jiimself with orthodox black, and to display his white tie, so that they who run may read his holy calling.

GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE. v . " The Insnrance World," an acknowledged --'authority 'on the subject of life insurance, coin-. * .cides with the views expressed from time to time i? in these columns as to the success of the State Department in New Zealand: Our contemporary that the actuarial report goes to prove

that- where, the State enters into a mercantile domain, the results are unsatisfactory and discouraging. It shows that on new premiums amounting to £8704 Os lid, a sum of £5068 17s 8d was paid in commission, exclusive of management and general expenses, but as the surrendered policies during the year footed up to £8128, the entire increment of premium during the year was only a few hundreds of pounds beyond the sum required to recoup those policies. " The World" goes on to say : " This is not at all a wholesome (State of affairs, when we remember the policies usually surrendered are the best lives, and when we find £5,068 new commision paid for the obtaining of business which merely fills the gap of the policies surrendered during the year, we niust certainly conclude that State Insurance in New Zealand, when divested of its glamour, does not appear to be much more flourishing than our own stunted Post-office Assurance Department." '• The World" characterises the statements in the actuarial reports as " beg the question style of arguments," and contends that the rate of interest, 4-2- per cent, is palpably too high, and that therefore the very groundwork of a cautious and careful valuation has been assailed. . Another point referred to is the large proportion of lives surcharged with so many years additional premiums, as the assurers are decidedly under the average of health, and that this surcharge seems .to be erroneously regarded in the light of a profit.