War Damages Bill.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1941, Page 4

War Damages Bill.

“It seems to me that this Bill is illtimed and should be viewed with the greatest disapproval,” said Mr R. H. Nimino, president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, at last night’s meeting, in referring to the War Damage Bill at present before Parliament. The Bill proposed to collect premiums from property-owners for damage that might or might not occur, he said. Any surplus moneys after the war were not to be redistributed, but were to be used to assist persons suffering loss by earthquakes, floods or other causes. To superimpose this on the community at a time when it was already carrying a heavy burden was unjust. Mr Nimmo said he could see no objection to the Bill being passed, but its operation should be delayed till an emergency arose. It would not be difficult to collect the money then and meet requirements. If, however, it was the Government’s policy to collect premiums from pro-perty-owners for the duration of the war, he hoped the commercial community would fight it from one end of the country to the other. It was decided to recommend that the Associated Chambers of Commerce issue a statement on the matter.