GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11689, 16 September 1903, Page 8

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) . LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tttesdat, September 15. The Council met at 2.30. STATE FIRE INSURANCE. ' T3ie adjourned debate on the second reading of the State Fire Insurance Bill was resumed. dir HOLT supported the measure, but thought, it questionable whether the companies would reinsure. The proposed division of profits would be looked upon as a cutting of rates. The State could carry on the business more economically tlian the companies. Mr BALDEY said the Bill would do something towards abolishing rings and combines, and would be generally welcomed, certainly by farmers.

Mr REEVES declared that insurance premiums had been reduced considerably in the last ten years, but he intended to support the Bill. Mr BEKHAN contended that the people had a right to demand State protection from the iniquity of the combine. He believed the Government Would be able to reduce rates and arrange for reinsurance.

Air JUNES thought reinsurance might be dispensed With by the adoption of a selfcontained policy. Mr STEVENS pointed out that those who spoke of the large profits of the companies ignored their profitable marine business, whiclr was included hi the fire insurance totals 'quoted. Fire insurance was the most hazardous and dangerous business the State could enter into.

Mr OARNCROSS said he had previously opposed the Bill, but the combination had forced the hand of the Government,. and he felt bound now to approve the measure, the necessity for which he regretted. As for the reinsurance difficulty, he felt sure the Government must have considered $ this, and had some plan to overcome it.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL, in reply, said fire insurance by the State was no more an interference with private concerns than advances to settlers, the Public Trust Office. and life insurance.

In answer to Mr Wigram, the AT-TORNEY-GENERAL declared that it was the intention of the Government to place the Bill on the Statute Book, and bring it into full operation, he hoped not later than 31« t March next. The Bill might require some amendment in Committee, but he hoped it would emerge in a satisfactory manner, and become law for the benefit of the communitv.

The second reading was carried by 22 votes to 8.

The following is the division list : —Ayes —Balder, Beotian, Bolt, Cadman, Camcross, Feld wick, Fraser, Harris. Holmes, Jones, T. Kelly, W. Kelly, Pinkerton. Pitt, Reeves, Rigg. A. Smith, Thompson, Tomoana, Trask, Twonvey, Wigram, Noes — Baillie, George, Johnston, Louisson, Miller, Scotland. Stevens, L. Walker. Tlte Bill was set down for committal tomorrow, and the Council then adjourned.